Shloka 2.63.42
दशरथस्य शोकानुचिन्तनं शब्धवेधि-दोषस्मरणं च (Daśaratha’s grief, karmic reflection, and the remembered ‘śabdavedhī’ misdeed)
एकेन खलु बाणेन मर्मण्यभिहते मयि।द्वावन्धौ निहतौ वृद्धौ माता जनयिता च मे।।2.63.42।।
ekena khalu bāṇena marmaṇy abhihate mayi |
dvāv andhau nihatau vṛddhau mātā janayitā ca me ||2.63.42||
With a single arrow, striking me in a vital spot, you have in truth slain my two aged, blind parents as well—my mother and my father.
'By striking at the vital part of my body with one arrow, you have killed both my aged and blind mother and father too.
It highlights how harming one dependent person can indirectly destroy those who rely on him; Dharma requires careful restraint, especially for rulers whose actions carry wide consequences.
Śravaṇa, struck by Daśaratha’s arrow, explains that his death also dooms his blind, elderly parents who depend on him for survival.
Śravaṇa’s filial devotion is underscored by his immediate concern for his parents even while dying.