Shloka 2.63.29

दशरथस्य शोकानुचिन्तनं शब्धवेधि-दोषस्मरणं च (Daśaratha’s grief, karmic reflection, and the remembered ‘śabdavedhī’ misdeed)

Devanagari script

प्रविविक्तां नदीं रात्रावुदाहाऽरोहमागतः।इषुणाऽभिहतः केन कस्य वा किं कृतं मया।।2.63.29।।

Transliteration

tasmin nipatite bāṇe vāg abhūt tatra mānuṣī |

katham asmad-vidhe śastraṃ nipatet tu tapasvini || 2.63.28 ||

Translation

When that arrow struck, a human voice was heard there: “How can a weapon fall upon one like me—an ascetic?”

Context

'I have come to this lonely spot of the river to take water. Who has hit me with this arrow? What (harm) have I done to any one?'

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• ascetic (tapasvin)
• weapon/arrow (śastra/bāṇa)

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns unjust harm: those committed to non-violence and austerity should not become targets of aggression or negligent force.

What is the narrative situation?

The wounded ascetic speaks out, questioning the justice of being struck by a weapon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity of the victim—he asserts his tapas (ascetic integrity) and the impropriety of violence against him.