Shloka 2.66.3

अयोध्यायां शोकविलापः — Lamentation in Ayodhya after Daśaratha’s death

Devanagari script

सकामा भव कैकेयि भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यमकण्टकम्।त्यक्त्वा राजानमेकाग्रा नृशंसे दुष्टचारिणि।।।।

Transliteration

sakāmā bhava kaikeyi bhuṅkṣva rājyam akaṇṭakam |

tyaktvā rājānam ekāgrā nṛśaṃse duṣṭacāriṇi ||

Translation

Be satisfied then, O Kaikeyī—enjoy a kingdom without obstacle. With single-minded resolve you have cast off the king—O cruel one, O woman of wicked conduct!

Context

O cruel one! O perverse wretch, O Kaikeyi, your wishes have been fulfilled. You have forsaken the king, that was your only objective. (Now) enjoy the kingdom alone without any obstacles on your way.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Kingdom of Ayodhyā

FAQs

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

It condemns ruthless ambition that violates spousal and royal dharma; the verse frames such success as morally tainted, gained through abandonment and cruelty rather than truth and righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

In the immediate fallout of Kaikeyī’s boons and Daśaratha’s ruin, a queen (likely Kausalyā) confronts Kaikeyī with bitter irony and accusation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage in speaking against perceived injustice is emphasized—denouncing wrongdoing even within the royal household.