Shloka 2.59.22

एकोनषष्ठितमः सर्गः (Sarga 59): सुमन्त्रवाक्यं, अयोध्याविषादः, दाशरथिशोकसागरः

Devanagari script

कैकेय्या विनियुक्तेन पापाभिजनभावया।मया न मन्त्रकुशलैर्वृद्धैस्सह समर्थितम्।।2.59.22।।

Transliteration

kaikeyyā viniyuktena pāpābhijana-bhāvayā |

mayā na mantra-kuśalaiḥ vṛddhaiḥ saha samarthitam ||2.59.22||

Translation

Urged on by Kaikeyi—whose intent and alliances were sinful—I did not take counsel and confirmation with elder advisers skilled in statecraft.

Context

Incited by Kaikeyi of sinful relations and sinful motive, I did not consult expert, elderly counsellers.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• elder counsellors (vṛddha-mantrins, implied)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires deliberation and wise counsel; impulsive decisions under harmful influence violate the duty of a king to act prudently for the realm.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha laments that he acted under Kaikeyī’s pressure without consulting experienced elders.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ideal virtue highlighted by contrast is prudence (vicāra) and reliance on wise counsel; Daśaratha admits his failure in it.