Shloka 2.24.21

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

भवत्या मम चैवाद्य राजा प्रभवति प्रभुः।न ह्यनाथा वयं राज्ञा लोकनाथेन धीमता।।2.24.21।।

Transliteration

bhavatyā mama caivādya rājā prabhavati prabhuḥ | na hy anāthā vayaṃ rājñā loka-nāthena dhīmatā || 2.24.21 ||

Translation

The king—mighty in authority—has the right to command both you and me. While that wise sovereign, the lord of the people, stands over us, we are surely not without a protector.

Context

The powerful king has authority over you as well as over me. As long as he is the sagacious lord of the entire world, how can we be without a master?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Daśaratha (king)
• Lokanātha (epithet of the king)

FAQs

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

It affirms rājadharma and household order: legitimate authority (the king/father) binds family members, and duty is performed within that structure rather than by impulsive flight.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma answers Kauśalyā’s wish to follow him by stressing Daśaratha’s continuing authority and the need for her to remain under his care.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadiness in dharma—recognizing lawful authority even when it causes personal loss.