Shloka 2.58.31

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

Devanagari script

अहं तावन्महाराजे पितृत्वं नोपलक्ष्ये।भ्राता भर्ता च बन्धुश्च पिता च मम राघवः।।।।

Transliteration

rājā tu rajasā sūtaṃ dhvastāṅgaṃ samupasthitam |

aśrupūrṇamukhaṃ dīnam uvāca paramārtavat ||

Translation

Seeing the charioteer standing near—his body coated with dust, his face drenched in tears, and his spirit crushed—the king spoke to him in overwhelming anguish.

Context

'I do not regard the great king as my father. Rama alone is my brother, protector, friend and father.

Characters & Entities

• Dasharatha
• Sumantra

FAQs

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

The verse frames royal responsibility through emotional truth: a king must confront the consequences of decisions affecting dharma and family, not hide behind authority.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra has returned after accompanying Rama, and Dasharatha—shattered by separation—addresses him in grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dasharatha’s human vulnerability and honesty of emotion, revealing the moral weight borne by a ruler.