Shloka 2.48.22

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

यया पुत्रश्च भर्ता च त्यक्तावैश्वर्यकारणात्।कं सा परिहरेदन्यं कैकेयी कुलपांसनी।।2.48.22।।

Transliteration

yayā putraś ca bhartā ca tyaktāv aiśvarya-kāraṇāt |

kaṁ sā parihared anyaṁ kaikeyī kula-pāṁsanī || 2.48.22 ||

Translation

She who, for the sake of power and splendor, cast aside both son and husband—whom would that Kaikeyī, the disgrace of her lineage, ever spare?

Context

Can Kaikeyi, who has brought disgrace to the race by abandoning her husband and son for the sake of wealth, spare others?

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma (implied as 'son')
• Daśaratha (implied as 'husband')

FAQs

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

Dharma includes loyalty to family obligations; betrayal of the closest bonds (husband and son) for power is presented as a sign of ethical unreliability toward all.

What is the narrative situation?

In public grief and anger after Rāma’s exile, the citizens denounce Kaikeyī’s actions as socially and morally dangerous.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, fidelity and protection within family and kingdom—values the citizens feel Kaikeyī has violated.