Shloka 2.42.33

द्विचत्वारिंशः सर्गः — दशरथस्य शोक-विलापः तथा कौशल्यागृह-प्रवेशः (Dasaratha’s Lament and Return to Kausalya’s Apartments)

Devanagari script

अथ रात्र्यां प्रपन्नायां कालरात्र्यामिवात्मनः।अर्धरात्रे दशरथः कौशल्यामिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

ye ca tvām anujīvanti nāhaṃ teṣāṃ na te mama | kevalārthaparāṃ hi tvāṃ tyaktadharmāṃ tyajāmy aham ||

Translation

And those who live dependent on you—neither am I theirs, nor are they mine. Since you pursue only selfish gain and have abandoned dharma, I abandon you.

Context

In the middle of the night which, for him, felt like the night of death Dasaratha said to Kausalya thus:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as the basis of legitimate social bonds. When one is ‘tyakta-dharma’ (one who has abandoned righteousness) and driven by ‘kevala-artha’ (mere self-interest), relationships and loyalties become ethically void.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha escalates his repudiation: he rejects not only Kaikeyī but also the circle sustained by her influence, declaring severance due to her perceived adharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to dharma as a non-negotiable standard—though expressed through a harsh, grief-charged verdict.