Shloka 2.61.29

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

वनं गते धर्मपरे रामे रमयतां वरे।कौसल्या रुदती स्वार्ता भर्तारमिदमब्रवीत्।।2.61.1।।

Transliteration

vanaṃ gate dharmapare rāme ramayatāṃ vare | kausalyā rudatī svārtā bhartāram idam abravīt ||

Translation

When Rama—devoted to dharma and foremost in pleasing others—had gone to the forest, Kausalya, sobbing in bitter anguish, spoke these words to her husband.

Context

You have destroyed this kingdom, and the state along with its inhabitants. You have ruined yourself along with your ministers. You have brought disaster to me and to my son. Your son (Bharata) and your wife (Kaikeyi) are the only persons who are happy.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kausalyā
• Daśaratha
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Rāma is characterized as dharmapara—ethically steadfast—and also as one who prioritizes others’ well-being; dharma here is both principled conduct and compassionate social responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

This is a narrative lead-in: Rāma has departed for exile; Kausalyā begins her lament and accusation addressed to Daśaratha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s selflessness (pleasing/serving others) joined to dharma-centered living.