Shloka 2.39.5

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

Devanagari script

न त्वेवानागते काले देहाच्च्यवति जीवितम्।कैकेय्या क्लिश्यमानस्य मृत्युर्मम न विद्यते।।2.39.5।।योऽहं पावकसङ्काशं पश्यामि पुरतः स्थितम्।विहाय वसने सूक्ष्मे तापसाच्छादमात्मजम्।।2.39.6।।

Transliteration

saṃjñāṃ tu pratilabhyaiva muhūrtāt sa mahīpatiḥ | netrābhyām aśru-pūrṇābhyāṃ sumantram idam abravīt || 2.39.9 ||

Translation

Regaining consciousness after a moment, the king—his eyes brimming with tears—said this to Sumantra.

Context

Unless the destined hour arrives, life does not leave the body. Therefore, even though I am tormented by Kaikeyi and even after seeing my son, standing before me, (bright) like fire, taking off his fine clothes and wearing the robes of an ascetic my end does not come.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sumantra

FAQs

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

Composure returning to duty: even amid grief, a ruler must recover presence of mind to communicate and act responsibly.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha briefly loses composure, then regains awareness and addresses his minister-charioteer Sumantra.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resilience and responsibility—Daśaratha attempts to continue governance and communication despite emotional collapse.