Shloka 2.64.30

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

Devanagari script

तौ पुत्रमात्मन स्स्पृष्ट्वा तमासाद्य तपस्विनौ।निपेततुश्शरीरेऽस्य पिता चास्येदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tau putram ātmanaḥ spṛṣṭvā tam āsādya tapasvinau | nipetatuḥ śarīre 'sya pitā cāsyedam abravīt ||

Translation

Approaching and touching their own son, the two ascetics fell upon his body; and then his father spoke these words.

Context

Both the ascetics stroking their son's body and collapsed upon it. And the father said:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• ascetic father (muni/tapasvin)
• ascetic mother (tapasvinī, implied by dual)
• son (Śravaṇa, implied)

FAQs

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

Recognition of relational duty: the parents’ touch and collapse reflect the sacred bond of family (pitṛ-dharma/mātṛ-dharma) and the gravity of harm done to dependents.

What is the narrative situation?

The blind ascetic couple physically confirms their son’s death and is overwhelmed; the father begins a lament addressed to the child.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Parental devotion and attachment—shown through immediate physical embrace and grief, underscoring the depth of familial responsibility.