Shloka 1.19.21

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

Devanagari script

इति हृदयमनोविदारणंमुनिवचनं तदतीव शुश्रुवान्।नरपतिरभवन्महांस्तदाव्यथितमना: प्रचचाल चासनात्।।।।

Transliteration

yattu me hṛdgataṃ vākyaṃ tasya kāryasya niścayam | kurūṣva rājaśārdūla bhava satyapratiśravaḥ ||

Translation

O tiger among kings, I shall speak what lies in my heart; decide upon that course of action, and remain true to your pledged word.

Context

The great king felt shaken off his throne after listening to the words of the sage (Viswamitra) which broke his heart and terribly upset his mind.ইত্যার্ষে শ্রীমদ্রামাযণে বাল্মীকীয আদিকাব্যে বালকাণ্ডে একোনবিংশস্সর্গ:৷৷Thus ends the nineteenth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds satya (truthfulness) expressed as fidelity to one’s promise; a king’s dharma includes honoring pledged words, especially when given to a revered sage.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra begins disclosing his purpose at Daśaratha’s court and urges the king to take a firm decision consistent with his prior assurance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s virtue of satya—being steadfast in vows and promises—is explicitly demanded and tested.