Shloka 2.36.23

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

Devanagari script

स तासां वचनं श्रुत्वा प्रकृतीनां नराधिपः।तं तत्याजाहितं पुत्रं तेषां प्रियचिकीर्षया।।।।

Transliteration

sa tāsāṃ vacanaṃ śrutvā prakṛtīnāṃ narādhipaḥ | taṃ tatyājāhitaṃ putraṃ teṣāṃ priya-cikīrṣayā ||2.36.23||

Translation

Hearing the words of his subjects, the king—wishing to do what was pleasing to them—abandoned that harmful son.

Context

That king (Sagara) heard the words of the citizens and with the intention of doing good to them, banished that malevolent son.

Characters & Entities

• King Sagara
• Subjects (prakṛtayaḥ)
• Asamañja

FAQs

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

Rajadharma prioritizes the safety and trust of the people over personal attachment. A ruler may need to renounce even a son if he is demonstrably harmful to the subjects.

What is the narrative situation?

The king responds to the citizens’ complaint by deciding to abandon/banish his son for the sake of public welfare.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Impartial justice and sacrifice in leadership—placing the realm’s welfare above private affection.