Shloka 2.51.24

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

Devanagari script

अपि जीवेद्दशरथो वनवासात्पुनर्वयम्।प्रत्यागम्य महात्मानमपि पश्येम सुव्रतम्।।।।

Transliteration

api jīved daśaratho vanavāsāt punar vayam | pratyāgamya mahātmānam api paśyema suvratam ||

Translation

Might Daśaratha still be alive? And when we return from exile in the forest, might we behold again that great-souled king, steadfast in his vows?

Context

Will the king be still alive? Will we see the noble king again on our return from exile after the fulfilment of his vows?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• forest exile (vanavāsa)

FAQs

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

Fidelity to vows (satya and vrata): even exile is framed as a dharmic commitment whose completion is hoped to reunite family without breaking truth.

What is the narrative situation?

As exile begins, the speaker anxiously wonders whether the aged king will survive until their return.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and steadfastness—enduring hardship to keep vows, while maintaining loving concern.