Shloka 2.64.67

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

Devanagari script

अतस्तु किं दुःखतरं यदहं जीवितक्षये।न हि पश्यामि धर्मज्ञं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम्।।।।

Transliteration

atas tu kiṃ duḥkhataraṃ yad ahaṃ jīvitakṣaye | na hi paśyāmi dharmajñaṃ rāmaṃ satyaparākramam ||

Translation

What sorrow could be greater than this—that at the end of my life I do not behold Rama, the knower of dharma, whose strength is grounded in truth?

Context

Can there be a greater sorrow than that at the last moment of my life I am unable tosee my righteous and truthful son, Rama?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Kausalyā
• Dharma
• Satya

FAQs

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

Dharma and satya are presented as Rama’s defining qualities; the verse treats righteousness and truth as the highest strength and the proper measure of a person.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha laments that death is imminent, yet he cannot see Rama—exiled due to palace intrigue and the king’s prior boons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s steadfast truth and dharmic discernment (dharmajñatā), portrayed as a moral power (parākrama) rather than mere physical might.