Shloka 2.38.15

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

Devanagari script

यं धार्मिक कौशल्या मम माता यशस्विनी।वृद्धा चाक्षुद्रशीला च न च त्वां देव गर्हते।।।।

Transliteration

yaṃ dhārmika kauśalyā mama mātā yaśasvinī | vṛddhā cākṣudraśīlā ca na ca tvāṃ deva garhate || 2.38.15 ||

Translation

“O righteous lord, my mother Kauśalyā is illustrious, aged, and free from meanness of nature; she does not reproach you, O deva.”

Context

O righteous father! O king! my aged and illustrious mother, Kausalya possesses neither a mean character nor does she blame you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

Dharma as non-accusation and dignity in suffering: Rāma highlights Kauśalyā’s refusal to blame, modeling restraint and truthfulness in family crisis.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma speaks to Daśaratha before departing, pointing out that Kauśalyā—despite the blow—does not condemn the king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Nobility of character (akṣudratā) and forbearance (kṣamā), presented through Kauśalyā and affirmed by Rāma.