Shloka 2.31.13

लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः (Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons)

Devanagari script

सा हि राज्यमिदं प्राप्य नृपस्याश्वपते स्सुता।दुःखितानां सपत्नीनां न करिष्यति शोभनम्।।।।

Transliteration

sā hi rājyam idaṃ prāpya nṛpasyāśvapateḥ sutā |

duḥkhitānāṃ sapatnīnāṃ na kariṣyati śobhanam || 2.31.13 ||

Translation

For once the daughter of king Aśvapati gains this kingdom, she will do nothing good for her afflicted co-wives.

Context

Once the daughter of king Aswapati (Kaikeyi) gains control over the kingdom, she will do nothing to help her afflicted co-wives (Kausalya and Sumitra).

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Aśvapati
• Kingdom (rājya)
• Co-wives (Kausalyā, Sumitrā—implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma demands protection of the vulnerable within the household; power should bring welfare, not neglect—especially toward those already suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma anticipates the consequences of Kaikeyī’s ascendancy and worries about the fate of the other queens.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s foresight and concern for fairness—he evaluates political change by its impact on the distressed.