Shloka 2.36.13

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

Devanagari script

कैकेय्यां मुक्तलज्जायां वदन्त्यामतिदारुणाम्।राजा दशरथो वाक्यमुवाचायतलोचनाम्।।।।

Transliteration

kaikeyyāṃ muktalajjāyāṃ vadantyām atidāruṇām | rājā daśaratho vākyam uvāca āyatalocanām || 2.36.13 ||

Translation

As Kaikeyī—casting off shame—spoke words of extreme cruelty, King Daśaratha replied to that large-eyed queen.

Context

King Dasaratha heard the terribly cruel and shameless words of that large-eyed Kaikeyi, and said:

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

It contrasts shameless, cruel speech with the expected moral restraint of royal household members—suggesting that adharma often begins with abandonment of modesty and compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration marks a turning point: Kaikeyī’s harsh stance becomes explicit, prompting Daśaratha’s reply.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrastive framing, the verse underscores the value of lajja (moral shame/modesty) as a guardrail for ethical conduct.