Shloka 2.64.53

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

Devanagari script

अद्यैव जहिं मां राजन्मरणे नास्ति मे व्यथा।यच्छरेणैकपुत्रं मां त्वमकर्षीरपुत्रकम्।।।।

Transliteration

adyaiva jahi māṃ rājan maraṇe nāsti me vyathā | yat śareṇaika-putraṃ māṃ tvam akārṣīr aputrakam ||

Translation

Slay me this very day, O king—death brings me no pain—since with your arrow you have made me, who had but one son, bereft of a son.

Context

'Kill me, O king! with the same arrow by which you rendered me childless. Death holds no pain for me.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• ascetic (tāpasa)
• the slain son

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds the ethical weight of causing irreparable harm: the loss of an only child is portrayed as a moral catastrophe demanding answerability.

What is the narrative situation?

The bereaved ascetic confronts Daśaratha and, in anguish, asks to be killed as well, since he is now childless.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthful expression of suffering (satya in speech), though sharpened by grief and a demand for retribution.