Shloka 2.52.24

गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)

Devanagari script

यद्यदाज्ञापयेत्किञ्चित्स महात्मा महीपतिः।कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं कार्यं तदविकाङ्क्षया।।2.52.24।।

Transliteration

yad yad ājñāpayet kiñcit sa mahātmā mahīpatiḥ | kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ kāryaṃ tad avikāṅkṣayā || 2.52.24 ||

Translation

Whatever that great king commands, even if it be a small matter, carry it out without hesitation, to please Kaikeyī.

Context

To make Kaikeyi happy, do whatever little the great king Dasaratha orders you to do.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

Dharma here is loyal service to the rightful king’s command, performed without inner resistance, even when the command is connected to pleasing another (Kaikeyī).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is instructing Sumantra on how to respond to Daśaratha’s wishes as Rāma departs under the exile order.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadiness in obedience and respect for royal authority (vinaya and satya-niṣṭhā) is emphasized.