Shloka 2.64.7

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

Devanagari script

पदशब्दं तु मे श्रुत्वा मुनिर्वाक्यमभाषत।किं चिरायसि मे पुत्र पानीयं क्षिप्रमानय।।।।

Transliteration

padaśabdaṃ tu me śrutvā munir vākyam abhāṣata | kiṃ cirāyasi me putra pānīyaṃ kṣipram ānaya ||

Translation

Hearing the sound of my footsteps, the sage spoke these words: “My son, why do you delay? Bring water quickly.”

Context

Hearing the sound of my footsteps, the sage said 'O son! why have you delayed? Bring me some water quickly'.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kausalyā
• Sage (muni)
• Son (Śravaṇa—implied by the known episode)

FAQs

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

It points to filial service as dharma: the son’s duty to promptly serve elders (here, bringing water) is treated as a sacred obligation.

What is the narrative situation?

Within Daśaratha’s final lament, he recalls the earlier tragedy involving the ascetic family—setting up the karmic background for his present suffering.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The son’s obedience and service-mindedness are foregrounded as exemplary conduct.