Shloka 2.24.20

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

तां तथा रुदतीं रामो रुदन्वचनमब्रवीत्।।2.24.20।।जीवन्त्या हि स्त्रिया भर्ता दैवतं प्रभुरेव च

Transliteration

tāṃ tathā rudatīṃ rāmo rudan vacanam abravīt || 2.24.20 || jīvantyā hi striyā bhartā daivataṃ prabhur eva ca |

Translation

Seeing her weeping so, Rāma—himself in tears—spoke these words: “For a woman while she lives, her husband is her deity and her rightful lord as well.”

Context

Adding his tears to his mother's who was wailing Rama said As long as a woman lives, her husband is her god and also her lord (master).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Husband (bhartā)
• Daśaratha (contextual referent of bhartā)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse states a normative household ethic of the epic: marital duty and social order are upheld by honoring one’s spouse (here, the husband) as the primary authority in a woman’s worldly life.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā begs to accompany Rāma; Rāma responds while grieving, redirecting her toward her duty to Daśaratha in the palace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s commitment to maryādā (propriety and role-based duty) is emphasized, even amid personal sorrow.