Shloka 2.36.11

अयोध्याकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s orders for Rama’s escort; Kaikeyi’s fear; the Asamañjasa precedent

Devanagari script

सा विषण्णा च सन्त्रस्ता मुखेन परिशुष्यता।राजानमेवाभिमुखी कैकेयी वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

sā viṣaṇṇā ca santrastā mukhena pariśuṣyatā | rājānam evābhimukhī kaikeyī vākyam abravīt || 2.36.11 ||

Translation

Dejected and frightened, her face parched, Kaikeyī turned toward the king and spoke.

Context

The dejected and frightened Kaikeyi with a dry countenance, looked at the king and said:

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Speech (vāk) is shown as consequential: the scene frames a pivotal utterance whose moral weight will affect family and kingdom.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī, shaken, prepares to address Daśaratha directly in the escalating dispute over the boons and succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes emotional vulnerability rather than virtue; it sets up how fear and dejection can precede decisive (and ethically charged) speech.