Shloka 2.64.54

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

Devanagari script

त्वया तु यदविज्ञानान्निहतो मे सुतश्शुचिः।तेन त्वामभिशप्स्यामि सुदुःखमतिदारुणम्।।।।

Transliteration

tvayā tu yad avijñānān nihato me sutaḥ śuciḥ | tena tvām abhiśapsyāmi suduḥkham atidāruṇam ||

Translation

Although you killed my pure-hearted son out of ignorance, for that very reason I shall curse you with a calamity of intense and dreadful sorrow.

Context

'Though you have killed my pure-hearted son unintentionally, I will pronounce a disastrous and dreadful curse on you.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• ascetic (tāpasa)
• the slain son

FAQs

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

Dharma recognizes that even unintended wrongdoing can carry consequences; moral order responds not only to intention but also to the harm inflicted.

What is the narrative situation?

The ascetic acknowledges the killing was unintentional, yet declares he will curse Daśaratha due to the devastating result.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment paired with severity: the ascetic distinguishes intent (ignorance) from outcome (death) while enforcing consequence.