Shloka 2.58.28

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

Devanagari script

यदि प्रव्राजितो रामो लोभकारणकारितम्।वरदाननिमित्तं वा सर्वथा दुष्कृतं कृतम्।।।।

Transliteration

yadi pravrājito rāmo lobhakāraṇakāritam | varadānanimittaṃ vā sarvathā duṣkṛtaṃ kṛtam ||

Translation

If Rāma has been driven into exile—whether propelled by greed for the kingdom or on the pretext of boons—then in every way a grievous wrong has been done.

Context

'Whether it was out of greed (for the kingdom) or for (the execution of) the boon bestowed, this act of banishment is by all means wicked'.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• boons (varadāna) (i.e., the promised boons to Kaikeyī, implied)

FAQs

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

Condemnation of adharma in governance: greed or manipulation of promises cannot justify injustice toward a virtuous person.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa interprets possible motives behind Rāma’s exile and judges them morally unacceptable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity and fearless speech—Lakṣmaṇa calls wrongdoing ‘wrong’ regardless of political framing.