Shloka 2.64.11

शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः (The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death)

Devanagari script

मुनिमव्यक्तया वाचा तमहं सज्जमानया।हीनव्यञ्जनया प्रेक्ष्य भीतचित्त इवाब्रुवम्।।।।

Transliteration

munim avyaktayā vācā tam ahaṃ sajjamānayā | hīnavyañjanayā prekṣya bhītacitta ivābruvam ||

Translation

Seeing that sage, I spoke in an indistinct voice—stammering, my syllables faltering—like one whose mind is seized by fear.

Context

As I saw him, my heart was filled with terror and I stammered as I spoke in garbled sentences.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• muni (blind sage, Śravaṇa’s father)

FAQs

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

Truthfulness under moral pressure: Daśaratha’s fear shows the weight of wrongdoing, yet dharma demands facing the harmed party and speaking honestly.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha encounters the ascetic parent after the accidental killing and begins to speak, overwhelmed by guilt and fear.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral accountability—despite trembling fear, he approaches and begins disclosure rather than fleeing.