Shloka 2.38.11

अयोध्याकाण्डे अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — Sita in Bark Garments; Public Outcry and Dasaratha’s Lament

Devanagari script

प्रतिज्ञातं मया तावत् त्वयोक्तं देवि शृण्वता।रामं यदभिषेकाय त्वमिहागतमब्रवीः।।।।

Transliteration

pratijñātaṃ mayā tāvat tvayoktaṃ devi śṛṇvatā | rāmaṃ yad abhiṣekāya tvam ihāgatam abravīḥ || 2.38.11 ||

Translation

“O queen, I promised only so much as what I heard you say to Rāma when he came here for his consecration.”

Context

I have heard you, O Devi! speaking to Rama when he came here in connection withthe coronation. I promised you to that extent only.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• abhiṣeka (coronation)

FAQs

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

Satya bound to speech: Daśaratha frames his obligation as limited to the exact scope of what was heard and promised, underscoring precision and accountability in vows.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha argues with Kaikeyī about the extent of his promise, recalling her earlier words spoken to Rāma at the time of coronation preparations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to one’s word, alongside a struggle to limit harm within the constraints of a vow.