Shloka 2.63.35

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

Devanagari script

वृद्धै च मतापितरावहं चैकेषुणा हता।केन स्मनिहता स्सर्वे सुबालेनाकृतात्मना।।2.63.35।।

Transliteration

vṛddhau ca mātāpitarāv ahaṃ caikeṣuṇā hatāḥ | kena sma nihatāḥ sarve subālenākṛtātmanā || 2.63.35 ||

Translation

My aged parents and I are, as it were, all slain by a single arrow—by whom have we been destroyed, by a boy who seems ‘good’ yet whose intent is unformed and heedless?

Context

'My aged parents along with me are killed by a single arrow. Who is that maliciousknave who has slain us?

Characters & Entities

• Śravaṇa
• mother
• father
• arrow

FAQs

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

The verse stresses accountability: even a ‘well-born’ or ‘good’ person can commit adharma if action is driven by rashness and lack of discernment. Dharma requires restraint and certainty before harming.

What is the narrative situation?

Śravaṇa, still unaware of the archer’s identity, questions who has shot him, highlighting the disproportionate harm caused by a single mistaken act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment (viveka) by contrast: the verse implies that true goodness requires disciplined intention, not merely youth or reputation.