Shloka 2.36.19

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

Devanagari script

असमञ्जो गृहीत्वा तु क्रीडतः पथि बालकान्।सरय्वाः प्रक्षिपन्नप्सु रमते तेन दुर्मतिः।।।।

Transliteration

asamañjo gṛhītvā tu krīḍataḥ pathi bālakān | sarayvāḥ prakṣipann apsu ramate tena durmatiḥ ||2.36.19||

Translation

Asamañja, wicked in mind, would seize the children playing in the street and amuse himself by hurling them into the waters of the Sarayū.

Context

That wicked-minded Asamanjasa used to seize the children playing on the street and amuse himself by hurling them in the waters of river Sarayu.

Characters & Entities

• Asamañja
• Sarayū

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns cruelty, especially toward the innocent. Delighting in harm (hiṃsā-rati) is presented as a mark of adharma that demands royal attention and correction.

What is the narrative situation?

Siddhārtha recounts the notorious behavior of Asamañja to frame a moral comparison relevant to the present political decision about banishment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is compassion and protection of the vulnerable—contrasted with Asamañja’s perverse pleasure in violence.