Shloka 2.26.23

अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः — Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि वस्तव्यं दण्डके मया।पित्रा मे भरतश्चापि यौवराज्ये नियोजितः।।।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi vastavyaṃ daṇḍake mayā |

pitrā me bharataś cāpi yauvarājye niyojitaḥ ||

Translation

I must dwell for fourteen years in the Daṇḍaka forest; and my father has appointed Bharata as the prince-regent.

Context

I am to dwell in the Dandaka forest for fourteen years while father has appointed Bharata prince-regent.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Daṇḍaka (forest)
• Daśaratha
• Bharata
• yauvarājya

FAQs

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

Keeping one’s word and accepting rightful outcomes: exile and succession are presented as consequences to be borne without rebellion because they arise from a pledged duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma informs Sītā of the two outcomes of Kaikeyī’s demand: his fourteen-year forest exile and Bharata’s installation as regent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s obedience to paternal authority and steadiness in the face of loss.