Shloka 2.64.32

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

Devanagari script

न त्वहं ते प्रियं पुत्र मातरं पश्य धार्मिक।किं नु नालिङ्गसे पुत्र सुकुमार वचो वद।।।।

Transliteration

na tv ahaṃ te priyaṃ putra mātaraṃ paśya dhārmika | kiṃ nu nāliṅgase putra sukumāra vaco vada ||

Translation

O son—righteous one—if I am no longer dear to you, at least look upon your mother. Why do you not embrace me, tender child? Speak a word.

Context

'O righteous son! if I am no longer dear to you, (at least) look at your mother. O tender child, why are you not embracing me? Speak.

Characters & Entities

• ascetic father
• mother (Śravaṇa’s mother)
• Śravaṇa (implied)

FAQs

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

Filial dharma: care, affection, and responsiveness toward parents—especially the mother—are presented as the son’s righteous identity, now tragically interrupted.

What is the narrative situation?

The father pleads for a response and for the son to acknowledge the mother, reflecting disbelief and the shattering of household-ascetic dependence on the child.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śravaṇa is remembered as “dhārmika,” implying obedience and service to parents—an ideal of devotion and gentleness.