Shloka 2.59.23

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

Devanagari script

न सुहृद्भिर्नचामात्यैर्मन्त्रयित्वा न नैगमैः।मयायमर्थस्सम्मोहात् स्त्रीहेतो स्सहसा कृतः।।2.59.23।।

Transliteration

na suhṛdbhiḥ na ca amātyaiḥ mantrayitvā na naigamaiḥ |

mayā ayam arthaḥ sammohāt strī-hetoḥ sahasā kṛtaḥ ||2.59.23||

Translation

Without consulting friends, ministers, or prudent citizens, I committed this deed in delusion—rashly, and for the sake of a woman.

Context

For the sake of a woman, this act was committed in great haste, without consulting friends or ministers or men of prudence.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• friends (suhṛd)
• ministers (amātya)
• naigama (prudent citizens)
• Kaikeyī (implied by ‘for the sake of a woman’)
• Rama (implied consequence)

FAQs

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

A king must not let personal attachment override dharma; decisions affecting the kingdom should be made through truthful deliberation with wise stakeholders, not through delusion and haste.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha confesses that Rama’s exile resulted from his rash, deluded action taken without counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue emphasized by negation is self-control and discernment; Daśaratha’s admission underscores the need for restraint against impulsive, desire-driven choices.