Shloka 2.37.33

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

Devanagari script

द्रक्ष्यस्यद्यैव कैकेयी पशुव्यालमृगद्विजान्।गच्छतस्सह रामेण पादपांश्च तदुन्मुखान्।।2.37.33।।

Transliteration

atha cīrāṇi kaikeyī svayam āhṛtya rāghavam | uvāca paridhatsveti janaughe nirapatrapā || 2.37.6 ||

Translation

Then Kaikeyī, unashamed before the gathered throng, herself brought the bark garments and said to Rāghava, “Put these on.”

Context

Today you shall see, O Kaikeyi, flocks of cattle, elephants, deer and birds following Rama, even the trees bending towards him.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• cīra (bark garments)
• public assembly (janaugha)

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts dharma with ethical impropriety: Kaikeyī enforces exile harshly in public, while the larger narrative highlights that true dharma is measured by compassion and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī personally hands over bark garments to compel Rāma to assume the outward marks of an ascetic exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast: Rāma’s dignity and composure are implied against Kaikeyī’s lack of modest restraint.