Shloka 2.36.31

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

Devanagari script

श्रुत्वा तु सिद्धार्थवचो राजा श्रान्ततरस्वनः।शोकोपहतया वाचा कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

śrutvā tu siddhārthavaco rājā śrāntatarasvanaḥ | śokopahatayā vācā kaikeyīm idam abravīt ||

Translation

Having heard Siddhārtha’s well-meant words, the king—his voice growing ever weaker—spoke to Kaikeyī in speech broken by grief.

Context

Having heard Siddhartha, the king, stricken with grief, said to Kaikeyi in a graduallyfeeble voice.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (king)
• Kaikeyī
• Siddhārtha (speaker referenced)

FAQs

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

The verse frames a dharma-crisis: a righteous king is emotionally crushed as truth and duty are contested, showing how adharma pressures even the virtuous.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing counsel, Daśaratha—overcome by sorrow—begins speaking directly to Kaikeyī.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s deep attachment and moral sensitivity; his grief signals the gravity of the ethical violation being pursued.