Shloka 2.64.39

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

Devanagari script

ततो वैवस्वतं दृष्ट्वा तं प्रवक्ष्यामि भारतीम्।क्षमतां धर्मराजो मे बिभृयात्पितरावयम्।।।।

Transliteration

tato vaivasvataṃ dṛṣṭvā taṃ pravakṣyāmi bhāratīm |

kṣamatāṃ dharmarājo me bibhṛyāt pitarāv ayam ||2.64.39||

Translation

Then, on seeing Vaivasvata (Yama), I shall speak to him: “May the Lord of Dharma forgive me—let this boy continue to care for his parents.”

Context

'There seeing Yama, (lord of death), I shall say O Lord of Justice! forgive me. Let this boy continue to maintain his parents.

Characters & Entities

• Vaivasvata (Yama)
• Dharmarāja

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as compassionate justice: even in death, Śravaṇa seeks not revenge but a dharmic outcome—permission to continue fulfilling duty to parents.

What is the narrative situation?

Śravaṇa anticipates death and imagines appealing to Yama so that he may still uphold his obligation of caring for his blind parents.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Selflessness and duty: Śravaṇa’s primary concern remains his parents’ welfare and his responsibility toward them.