Shloka 2.33.7

त्रयस्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Civic Lament and Rama’s Dutiful Approach to Daśaratha

Devanagari script

ऐश्वर्यस्य रसज्ञः सन् कामिनां चैव कामदः।नेच्छत्येवानृतं कर्तुं पितरं धर्मगौरवात्।।।।

Transliteration

aiśvaryasya rasajñaḥ san kāmināṃ caiva kāmadaḥ | necchaty evānṛtaṃ kartuṃ pitaraṃ dharmagauravāt ||

Translation

Though he knows well the delights of royal prosperity and grants the desires of those who seek, Rāma, out of reverence for dharma, does not wish to make his father false to his word.

Context

Rama who enjoyed the comforts of affluence gratifies those who have desires. Out of veneration for righteousness, he does not want to prove his father false (to his promise).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Pitṛ-vākya and satya are upheld: Rāma values dharma so highly that he will not allow his father’s promise to become false, even at personal cost.

What is the narrative situation?

Public commentary frames Rāma’s conduct: people explain that his acceptance of hardship is rooted in protecting Daśaratha’s truthfulness and dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s truth-centered obedience and reverence for dharma (self-restraint despite access to luxury and power).