Shloka 2.63.34

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

Devanagari script

तदेतन्मिथुनं वृद्धं चिरकालभृतं मया।मयि पञ्चत्वमापन्ने कां वृत्तिं वर्तयिष्यति।।2.63.34।।

Transliteration

tad etan mithunaṃ vṛddhaṃ cirakālabhṛtaṃ mayā | mayi pañcatvam āpanne kāṃ vṛttiṃ vartayiṣyati || 2.63.34 ||

Translation

For a long time I have sustained this aged pair; when I am reduced to the five elements in death, by what means will they continue their life?

Context

'So long I have been supporting this aged couple. After I am dead, how will they live?

Characters & Entities

• Śravaṇa
• mother
• father

FAQs

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

Dharma here is the obligation to sustain dependents—especially elderly parents. The verse frames death not merely as personal loss but as a breach in the chain of care and responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Śravaṇa, mortally wounded, explains that his parents’ survival depended on him, making his killing ethically grave in consequence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility and service: Śravaṇa’s life is portrayed as dedicated to long-term care for his parents.