Shloka 2.64.40

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

Devanagari script

दातुमर्हति धर्मात्मा लोकपालो महायशाः।ईदृशस्य ममाक्षय्या मेकामभयदक्षिणाम्।।।।

Transliteration

dātum arhati dharmātmā lokapālo mahāyaśāḥ |

īdṛśasya mamākṣayyāṃ ekām abhaya-dakṣiṇām ||2.64.40||

Translation

That righteous, greatly renowned guardian of the worlds (Yama) ought to grant to one such as me a single unfailing boon—protection from fear.

Context

'That lord of justice, who is highly renowned, righteous and the guardian of the worlds will grant me one unfailing boon of protection from fear.

Characters & Entities

• Yama
• Lokapāla
• Dharmātmā

FAQs

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

The verse frames divine justice as dharmic governance: Yama, as guardian and judge, dispenses outcomes (boons/protections) consistent with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Śravaṇa speaks of Yama’s authority and imagines receiving a protective boon in the afterlife, emphasizing the moral order overseeing life and death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Faith in dharmic order: even amid tragedy, the speaker trusts that righteous governance exists beyond human error.