Shloka 2.58.2

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

अथ सूतो महाराजं कृताञ्जलिरुपस्थितः।राममेवानुशोचन्तं दुःखशोकसमन्वितम्।।।।वृद्धं परमसन्तप्तं नवग्रहमिव द्विपम्।विनिश्वसन्तं ध्यायन्तमस्वस्थ मिव कुङञरम्।।।।

Transliteration

abhimānaṁ ca mānaṁ ca tyaktvā vartasva mātṛṣu |

anu rājānam āryāṁ ca kaikeyīm amba kāraya ||

Translation

Casting aside ego and pride, live harmoniously with the other queens as with mothers. And, O mother, guide venerable Kaikeyī to remain well-disposed toward the king.

Context

Then the charioteer with folded palms approached the king who, deeply afflicted with grief and pain, was brooding over Rama alone. Aged Dasaratha was heaving deep sighs like a newlycaptured, indisposed elephant.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma as restraint and reconciliation: abandoning pride and ego is presented as necessary for maintaining family order and protecting the king’s welfare, even with those who caused harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Kauśalyā on how to behave toward the other queens and specifically how to handle Kaikeyī in relation to Daśaratha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s magnanimity and commitment to household harmony are emphasized, urging forgiveness and disciplined conduct.