Shloka 2.64.24

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

Devanagari script

क्षत्रियेण वधो राजन् वानप्रस्थे विशेषतः।ज्ञानपूर्वं कृत स्स्थानाच्च्यावयेदपि वज्रिणम्।।।।

Transliteration

kṣatriyeṇa vadho rājan vānaprasthe viśeṣataḥ |

jñānapūrvaṃ kṛtaḥ sthānāc cyāvayed api vajriṇam ||

Translation

O King, a killing done by a kṣatriya—especially of a forest-dweller—when committed knowingly, can unseat even Vajrin (Indra) from his station.

Context

'If a kshatriya kills any one knowingly, particularly when in vanaprastha (third stage) this sin can displace even Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt from his position, O king.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Vānaprastha (forest-dweller)
• Vajrin (Indra)

FAQs

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

Power must be restrained by dharma: a ruler’s violence is legitimate only under righteous conditions; harming protected ascetics is a grave adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The sage explains the enormity of the sin in general terms, emphasizing how catastrophic a deliberate killing of an ascetic would be.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for tapas and spiritual life, and the expectation that kings uphold protection rather than harm.