Shloka 2.64.20

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

Devanagari script

अज्ञानाद्भवतः पुत्र स्सहसाऽभिहतो मया।शेषमेवं गते यत्स्यात्तत्प्रसीदतु मे मुनिः।।।।

Transliteration

ajñānād bhavataḥ putraḥ sahasā ’bhihato mayā |

śeṣam evaṃ gate yat syāt tat prasīdatu me muniḥ ||

Translation

Through my ignorance, your son was struck down by me in sudden haste. Now that this has happened, may the sage be gracious and tell me what remains to be done.

Context

Your son has been killed by me due to my ignorance. Since this has happened, may the ascetic be pleased to command me on the next course of action.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Muni (ascetic)
• Śravaṇa (implied as ‘your son’)

FAQs

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

Satya and responsibility: Daśaratha openly confesses the deed and submits himself to rightful guidance or consequence.

What is the narrative situation?

After realizing he has killed the ascetic’s son, Daśaratha approaches the parents and admits the truth, asking what he should do next.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness joined with humility—accepting that moral repair requires guidance from the wronged party and from dharma.