Shloka 2.42.6

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

Devanagari script

कैकेयि मा ममाङ्गानि स्प्राक्षीस्त्वं दुष्टचारिणी।न हि त्वां द्रष्टुमिच्छामि न भार्या न च बान्धवी।।।।

Transliteration

rāmaṃ me 'nugatā dṛṣṭir adyāpi na nivartate | na tvā paśyāmi kauśalye sādhu māṃ pāṇinā spṛśa ||

Translation

Kausalyā, my gaze that followed Rāma has not returned even now. I cannot see you clearly—please touch me with your hand.

Context

O Kaikeyi! you are a woman of evil conduct. Do not touch my body. I do not wish to see you. You are not my wife or my relation.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kausalyā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is supported by relational compassion: in collapse, Daśaratha seeks grounding through Kausalyā’s touch—suggesting that righteous life is sustained not only by vows, but also by humane care within the family.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha feels his senses failing; he tells Kausalyā his sight seems to have gone after Rāma, and he asks her to touch him so he can orient himself.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s tenderness and supportive presence; Daśaratha’s unwavering attachment to Rāma is expressed as a physical-spiritual fixation.