Shloka 2.24.4

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

कः एतच्छ्रद्दधेच्छ्रुत्वा कस्य वा न भवेद्भयम्।गुणवान्दयितो राज्ञा राघवो यद्विवास्यते।।2.24.4।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ hi dhenuḥ svaṃ vatsaṃ gacchantaṃ nānugacchati |

ahaṃ tvām anugamiṣyāmi yatra putra gamiṣyasi || 2.24.9 ||

Translation

How could a cow not follow her own calf as it wanders away? So too, my son, I will follow you wherever you go.

Context

Who will believe that the virtuous and affectionate scion of the Raghus is exiled this way by the king? Who will not tremble in fear to hear this?

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It presents familial dharma—especially a mother’s protective duty and attachment—as a natural moral impulse, even when it collides with the demands of royal duty and exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā expresses her intent to accompany Rāma to the forest, arguing by a natural analogy (cow and calf).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s unwavering love and readiness for self-sacrifice for her son.