Shloka 2.37.28

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

तत श्शून्यां गतजनां वसुधां पादपै स्सह।त्वमेका शाधि दुर्वृत्ता प्रजानामहिते स्थिता।।2.37.28।।

Transliteration

tataḥ śūnyāṃ gatajanāṃ vasudhāṃ pādapaiḥ saha | tvam ekā śādhi durvṛttā prajānām ahite sthitā ||

Translation

Bent on harming the people through your vile conduct, you alone will rule this earth—empty, deserted by its folk, and inhabited only by trees.

Context

Intent upon doing harm to the people with your vile behaviour, you alone rule this kingdom full of trees and deserted by men.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Ayodhya
• Subjects

FAQs

Why does the speaker command Kaikeyi to rule over 'trees'?

Dasharatha predicts that if Rama is exiled, all the citizens of Ayodhya will follow him out of love, leaving the kingdom empty of humans. Thus, Kaikeyi would be left ruling only the vegetation and an empty land.

What is the significance of the word 'durvṛttā' in this context?

The term 'durvṛttā' means 'one of vile conduct' or 'wicked behavior.' It highlights the speaker's condemnation of Kaikeyi's actions as being contrary to Dharma and harmful to the welfare of the state.