Shloka 1.1.24

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

Devanagari script

स जगाम वनं वीर: प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन्।पितुर्वचननिर्देशात्कैकेय्या: प्रियकारणात् ।।।।

Transliteration

sa jagāma vanaṃ vīraḥ pratijñām anupālayan | pitur vacana-nirdeśāt kaikeyyāḥ priya-kāraṇāt ||

Translation

That heroic Rāma went to the forest, keeping his pledged word—acting on his father’s command and in order to satisfy Kaikeyī.

Context

Mighty Sri Rama inorder to please Kaikeyi and obey the word of command of his father, went to the forest and help the king to keep his promise to Kaikeyi.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is truthfulness and fidelity to one’s vow: Rāma upholds a promise and honors his father’s command, even when it demands personal loss.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma departs for exile in the forest, prompted by Daśaratha’s word (given due to Kaikeyī’s demands), and he chooses to comply to preserve the integrity of the royal promise.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya (truthfulness) and dhṛti (steadfastness), expressed as unwavering commitment to a pledge and obedience to legitimate parental authority.