Shloka 2.36.14

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

Devanagari script

वहन्तं किं तुदसि मां नियुज्य धुरि माऽहिते।अनार्ये कृत्यमारब्धं किं न पूर्वमुपारुधः।।।।

Transliteration

vahantaṃ kiṃ tudasi māṃ niyujya dhuri māhite | anārye kṛtyam ārabdhaṃ kiṃ na pūrvam upārudhaḥ || 2.36.14 ||

Translation

O wicked woman, after yoking me to the burden, why do you prod me as I pull it forward? O ignoble one—if this deed was begun, why did you not restrain me at the very start?

Context

O brutal Kaikeyi, you fastened me to the yoke and when I am drawing forward, why do you beat me? O vile woman! why did you not prevent me in the beginning itself?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

It critiques manipulation after commitment: once a person is bound by satya (a vow), exploiting that bond is ethically blameworthy.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha laments that Kaikeyī allowed him to proceed with plans and only later weaponized his promise to force a painful outcome.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s adherence to pledged truth is implicit; despite anger, he views himself as bound to ‘pull the yoke’ of his word.