Shloka 2.51.15

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Guha’s Vigil and Lakṣmaṇa’s Lament (Night on the riverbank)

Devanagari script

जीवेदपि हि मे माता शत्रुघ्नस्यान्ववेक्षया।तद्दुःखं यत्तु कौशल्या वीरसूर्विनशिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

jīved api hi me mātā śatrughnasyānvavekṣayā |

tad duḥkhaṃ yat tu kauśalyā vīrasūḥ vinaśiṣyati ||

Translation

My mother may yet live, sustained by looking to Śatrughna; but it is a sorrow indeed if Kausalyā—mother of a hero—should perish.

Context

My mother may live looking forward to Satrughna. But, alas! Kausalya may die, separated from her valiant son.

Characters & Entities

• Śatrughna
• Bharata’s mother (Kaikeyī, implied)
• Kausalyā

FAQs

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

It affirms reverence for the virtuous and innocent: Kausalyā’s suffering is presented as especially unjust, calling attention to the duty to protect the blameless.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata weighs who might endure the shock—his own mother may cling to life for Śatrughna, while Kausalyā may collapse from separation from Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Impartial empathy—Bharata grieves for Kausalyā despite political circumstances that could benefit him.