Shloka 1.1.20

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

तमेवं गुणसम्पन्नं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् ।।1.1.19।।ज्येष्ठं श्रेष्ठगुणैर्युक्तं प्रियं दशरथस्सुतम् । प्रकृतीनां हितैर्युक्तं प्रकृतिप्रियकाम्यया ।।1.1.20।।यौवराज्येन संयोक्तुमैच्छत्प्रीत्या महीपति: ।

Transliteration

tasyābhiṣekasambhārān dṛṣṭvā bhāryā ’tha kaikayī | pūrvaṃ dattavarā devī varam enam ayācata | vivāsanaṃ ca rāmasya bharatasyābhiṣecanam ||

Translation

Then, seeing the preparations for his consecration, Kaikeyī—the queen who had earlier been granted boons—asked that boon of him: Rāma’s banishment, and Bharata’s coronation.

Context

With a desire to promote the welfare of the people king Dasaratha decided to install Sri Rama, his eldest and affectionate son as heir (apparent) who was bestowed with all excellent qualities and true prowess, beloved of the people he was ever intent in the welfare of the people.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Bharata
• Abhiṣeka (consecration/coronation)
• Vara (boon)

FAQs

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

It introduces a dharma-conflict: the binding force of promises/boons versus the righteous order of succession—setting up the test of satya and duty.

What is the narrative situation?

As preparations for Rāma’s installation begin, Kaikeyī invokes her earlier boons and demands Rāma’s exile and Bharata’s enthronement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, the verse foregrounds the coming trial of satya (truth to one’s word) for Daśaratha and dharma-obedience for Rāma.