Shloka 2.64.33

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

Devanagari script

कस्य वाऽपररात्रेऽहं श्रोष्यामि हृदयङ्गमम्।अधीयानस्य मधुरं शास्त्रं वान्यद्विशेषतः।।।।

Transliteration

kasya vā 'pararātre 'haṃ śroṣyāmi hṛdayaṅgamam | adhīyānasya madhuraṃ śāstraṃ vānyad viśeṣataḥ ||

Translation

In the last watch of the night, from whom shall I now hear that sweet recitation—scripture or other texts—so pleasing to the heart?

Context

'From whom shall I hear the sweet recitation of scriptures or other texts, delightful to my heart in the last watch of the night?

Characters & Entities

• ascetic father
• scriptures (śāstra)
• last watch of night (apararātra)

FAQs

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

Dharma as daily discipline: sacred study and recitation (svādhyāya) are portrayed as a lived practice sustained within family life; the loss of the son disrupts both affection and spiritual routine.

What is the narrative situation?

The father laments the absence of the son who used to recite texts at night, making the hermitage life bearable and meaningful.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to learning and sacred recitation—Śravaṇa is implied to be diligent in study and service.