Shloka 2.40.12

प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि वस्तव्यानि वने त्वया।तान्युपक्रमितव्यानि यानि देव्यासि चोदितः।।।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi vastavyāni vane tvayā | tāny upakramitavyāni yāni devyāsi coditaḥ ||2.40.12||

Translation

Truly, you must dwell in the forest for fourteen years; those years, commanded by the queen, must now be begun and counted accordingly.

Context

You have been directed by Kaikeyi to live in the forest for fourteen years. Accordingly you must now commence counting those years as directed.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• Kaikeyī (devī/queen)
• forest (vana)
• fourteen years (caturdaśa varṣāṇi)

FAQs

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

Dharma as acceptance of rightful command and truth of obligation: the exile term is stated plainly, emphasizing adherence to pledged words (boons) and the consequences of royal decisions.

What is the narrative situation?

The directive is articulated: Rāma must live in the forest for fourteen years, as ordered by the queen, and the exile period must begin immediately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness in communication and steadiness before hardship—stating the hard duty without evasion.