Shloka 2.64.21

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

Devanagari script

स तच्च्रुत्वा वचः क्रूरं मयोक्तमघशंसिना।नाशकत्तीव्रमायासमकर्तुं भगवानृषिः।।।।

Transliteration

sa tac chrutvā vacaḥ krūraṃ mayoktam aghaśaṃsinā |

nāśakat tīvram āyāsam akartuṃ bhagavān ṛṣiḥ ||

Translation

Hearing those harsh words spoken by me—one confessing a sinful deed—the venerable sage could not restrain the surge of intense anguish.

Context

The venerable sage heard my cruel words about the sinful act and was not able to seriously react. (He was stunned).

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Ṛṣi (sage)

FAQs

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

Dharma recognizes the real human cost of wrongdoing: truth must be spoken, but it also brings rightful grief and consequence.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha’s confession reaches the sage, who is overwhelmed and momentarily unable to contain his distress.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral seriousness: the sage’s reaction shows that harm to an innocent is not a light matter, even if accidental.