Shloka 1.1.21

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

Devanagari script

तस्याभिषेकसम्भारान्दृष्ट्वा भार्याऽथ कैकयी ।।।।पूर्वं दत्तवरा देवी वरमेनमयाचत ।विवासनं च रामस्य भरतस्याभिषेचनम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sa satyavacanād rājā dharmapāśena saṃyataḥ | vivāsayāmāsa sutaṃ rāmaṃ daśarathaḥ priyam ||

Translation

King Daśaratha, bound to the truth of his word and restrained by the bond of dharma, sent his beloved son Rāma into exile.

Context

Thereafter, having seen the preparations for installation of Rama, queen Kaikeyi who had been promised earlier with boons by Dasaratha demanded of him the exile of Rama and enthronement of Bharata.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Dharma-pāśa (bond of duty)
• Satya (truth)

FAQs

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

Satya as dharma: a ruler is bound to keep his pledged word, even when it brings personal suffering and public upheaval.

What is the narrative situation?

After Kaikeyī’s demand, Daśaratha—bound by his promise—orders Rāma’s exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s adherence to truth and duty (even as it becomes a painful constraint).