Shloka 2.24.36

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

गच्छेदानीं महाबाहो क्षेमेण पुनरागतः।नन्दयिष्यसि मां पुत्र साम्ना वाक्येन चारुणा।।2.24.36।।

Transliteration

ka etac chraddadhec chrutvā kasya vā na bhaved bhayam |

guṇavān dayito rājñā rāghavo yad vivāsyate || 2.24.4 ||

Translation

Who, on hearing this, could believe it—and who would not be shaken with fear—that Rāghava, virtuous and dearly loved by the king, is being exiled?

Context

Go now, O my mighty-armed son! and come back safe. And on your return, delight me with your sweet, gentle utterances.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• Rāghava
• Daśaratha (implied as 'the king')

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the moral shock when royal action appears to contradict dharma: a virtuous, beloved prince being exiled by the king. It implicitly questions how rāja-dharma and personal affection can come into conflict.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā reacts to the news that Rāma is to be sent to the forest; she expresses disbelief and fear at the reversal of expected justice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s guṇa (virtue/excellence) and his being dayita (deeply loved), underscoring that the suffering falls upon the most deserving.