Shloka 2.63.49

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

Devanagari script

सशल्यः क्लिश्यते प्राणैर्विशल्यो विनशिष्यति।इति मामविशच्चिन्ता तस्य शल्यापकर्षणे।।2.63.49।।

Transliteration

saśalyaḥ kliśyate prāṇair viśalyo vinaśiṣyati |

iti mām aviśac cintā tasya śalyāpakarṣaṇe ||2.63.49||

Translation

A worry seized me about pulling out his arrow: left in, he suffers while life remains; pulled out, he will die.

Context

The thought of removing the arrow kept me pondering. If not removed, it will be painful, and if removed, he will die.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Śravaṇa
• arrow (śalya)
• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

Dharma often involves tragic choice; compassion must operate within harsh realities, and one must still act responsibly amid unavoidable loss.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha recalls his hesitation: extracting the arrow might hasten death, but leaving it causes continued agony.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Conscience and remorse: Daśaratha’s inner conflict shows awareness of suffering and responsibility for it.