Shloka 2.39.4

एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः — Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma

Devanagari script

मन्ये खलु मया पूर्वं विवत्सा बहवःकृताः।प्राणिनो हिंसिता वापि तस्मादिदमुपस्थितम्।।2.39.4।।

Transliteration

yo 'haṃ pāvaka-saṅkāśaṃ paśyāmi purataḥ sthitam | vihāya vasane sūkṣme tāpasācchādam ātmajam || 2.39.6 ||

Translation

“I—who see my own son standing before me, radiant like fire, having cast off his fine garments and clothed in an ascetic’s dress—still do not meet my end.”

Context

'In the past I must have separated many from their children or harmed many living beings. That is why I think this calamity has befallen me.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma as renunciation and obedience to truth-bound duty: Rāma’s adoption of ascetic garb embodies commitment to a righteous promise, even when it causes personal and familial anguish.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha witnesses Rāma preparing for exile—removing royal clothes and donning ascetic attire—intensifying the king’s grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness and sacrificial obedience; Daśaratha’s helpless sorrow in the face of that righteous resolve.