Shloka 1.19.17

विश्वामित्रस्य यज्ञरक्षा-याचना (Visvamitra Requests Rama for Yajna-Protection)

Devanagari script

अभिप्रेतमसंसक्तमात्मजं दातुमर्हसि।।।।दशरात्रं हि यज्ञस्य रामं राजीवलोचनम्।

Transliteration

yad ihy anujñāṃ kākutstha dadate tava mantriṇaḥ |

vasiṣṭha-pramukhāḥ sarve tato rāmaṃ visarjaya ||

Translation

O Kakutstha, if your counselors—all headed by Vasiṣṭha—grant their consent, then send Rāma forth.

Context

You should spare your dear son, the lotus-eyed Rama, impartial and detached, for ten nights.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha (Kākutstha)
• Rāma
• Vasiṣṭha
• mantriṇaḥ (counselors)

FAQs

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

Dharma is practiced with due process and respect for counsel: a king acts responsibly by aligning decisions with wise advisors and the family preceptor.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra allows a procedural safeguard: Daśaratha may send Rāma after receiving consent from Vasiṣṭha and other counselors.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and respect for guru-guided counsel in royal decision-making.