Shloka 2.53.14
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
मन्ये दशरथान्ताय मम प्रव्राजनाय च।कैकेयी सौम्य सम्प्राप्ता राज्याय भरतस्य च।।।।
manye daśarathāntāya mama pravrājanāya ca | kaikeyī saumya samprāptā rājyāya bharatasya ca ||2.53.14||
O gentle Lakṣmaṇa, I think Kaikeyī has come here for Daśaratha’s ruin, for my banishment, and for Bharata’s accession to the kingdom.
O handsome Lakshmana! I think Kaikeyi has come to our house for the destruction of Dasaratha, for my banishment and enthronement of Bharata in the kingdom.
It warns how adharma can operate through ambition and manipulation; dharma requires vigilance against actions that harm elders, break truth, and distort rightful succession.
Rāma voices his interpretation of Kaikeyī’s role in the unfolding tragedy—Daśaratha’s downfall and Rāma’s exile enabling Bharata’s rule.
Rāma’s discernment (viveka): he attempts to identify causal motives behind the political crisis.