Shloka 2.64.66

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

Devanagari script

चक्षुषा त्वां न पश्यामि स्मृतिर्मम विलुप्यते।दूता वैवस्वतस्यैते कौसल्ये त्वरयन्ति माम्।।।।

Transliteration

cakṣuṣā tvāṃ na paśyāmi smṛtir mama vilupyate | dūtā vaivasvatasyāite kausalyā tvarayanti mām ||

Translation

O Kausalyā, I cannot see you with my eyes; my memory is slipping away. These messengers of Vaivasvata (Yama) are hurrying me onward.

Context

O Kausalya!, I am unable to see you. My memory is failing and the messengers of Yama are hastening me.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kausalyā
• Vaivasvata (Yama)
• Yama’s messengers

FAQs

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

It teaches awareness of impermanence: worldly roles and relationships are time-bound, so dharma should be practiced without delay and with clarity.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha’s senses and memory fail as death approaches; he tells Kausalyā he feels Yama’s agents drawing him away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness about one’s condition and acceptance of fate—Daśaratha speaks plainly, facing death without denial.