Shloka 2.35.29

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

Devanagari script

नैवं भव गृहाणेदं यदाह वसुधाधिपः।भर्तुरिच्छामुपास्वेह जनस्यास्य गतिर्भव।।2.35.29।।

Transliteration

naivaṁ bhava gṛhāṇedaṁ yad āha vasudhādhipaḥ | bhartur icchām upāsveha janasyāsya gatir bhava ||2.35.29||

Translation

Do not act in that way. Accept what the lord of the earth declares; abide here by your husband’s will, and become the refuge of these people.

Context

Do not be like your mother. Accept what the king says. Abide by his wishes. Be his saviour.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Dasaratha (vasudhādhipa; implied)
• the people of Ayodhya (janasya)

FAQs

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

Royal and familial dharma: align personal desire with the king’s rightful governance and protect the welfare of the people.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra urges Kaikeyi to stop her harmful course, accept the king’s decision, and act as a benefactor rather than a cause of ruin.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loka-saṅgraha (care for public welfare) and restraint—placing the kingdom’s good above private grievance.