Shloka 2.35.12

सुमन्त्रस्य कैकेयी-निन्दा (Sumantra’s Reproof of Kaikeyi in the Royal Assembly)

Devanagari script

नूनं सर्वे गमिष्यामो मार्गं रामनिषेवितम्।त्यक्ताया बान्धवैः सर्वैर्ब्राह्मणैः साधुभिः सदा।।2.35.12।।का प्रीती राज्यलाभेन तव देवि भविष्यति। तादृशं त्वममर्यादं कर्म कर्तुं चिकीर्षसि।।2.35.13।।

Transliteration

nūnaṃ sarve gamiṣyāmo mārgaṃ rāmaniṣevitam | tyaktāyā bāndhavaiḥ sarvair brāhmaṇaiḥ sādhubhiḥ sadā ||2.35.12||

kā prītī rājyalābhena tava devi bhaviṣyati | tādṛśaṃ tvam amaryādaṃ karma kartuṃ cikīrṣasi ||2.35.13||

Translation

Surely we all shall take the very path that Rāma takes. Abandoned forever by all kinsmen, by brāhmaṇas, and by the virtuous—what joy will kingdom-gain bring you, O queen? Why do you wish to do such a deed that violates honour’s limits?

Context

All of us certainly will follow the path pursued by Rama. Abandoned by relatives, brahmins and virtuous men for all times, what pleasure will you derive by your lust for this kingdom? O Kaikeyi, why do you intend to trangress the limits of honour?

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• brāhmaṇas
• sādhus (virtuous persons)
• bāndhavas (kinsmen)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as communal alignment with righteousness: society follows the dharmic person (Rāma), and immoral gain yields isolation rather than happiness.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra tells Kaikeyī that everyone will follow Rāma into exile, and he questions what satisfaction she expects from kingship purchased by dishonour.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s moral magnetism (people willingly follow his path), and Sumantra’s ethical clarity about the futility of unjust power.