Shloka 2.48.24

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

या पुत्रं पार्थिवेन्द्रस्य प्रवासयति निर्घृणा।कस्तां प्राप्य सुखं जीवेदधर्म्यां दुष्टचारिणीम्।।2.48.24।।

Transliteration

yā putraṁ pārthivendrasya pravāsayati nirghṛṇā |

kas tāṁ prāpya sukhaṁ jīved adharmyāṁ duṣṭa-cāriṇīm || 2.48.24 ||

Translation

She who, without compassion, has driven into exile the son of the lord of the earth—who could live happily under her, unrighteous and of wicked conduct?

Context

Who can live with pleasure under the rule of Kaikeyi of unrighteous character and wicked behaviour, one who without compassion banished Rama, son of Dasaratha, king of kings?

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī (implied by 'she')
• Rāma (as the banished son)
• Daśaratha (as pārthivendra)

FAQs

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

Rule without compassion is condemned as adharma; the verse links legitimacy to humane conduct, especially toward the innocent and virtuous.

What is the narrative situation?

The citizens interpret Rāma’s exile as a cruel political act and declare that happiness is impossible under such a ruler.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassion (dayā) as a necessary virtue for governance; its absence marks moral unfitness to rule.