Shloka 1.20.1

राज्ञः शङ्का–प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20

Devanagari script

तच्छ्रुत्वा राजशार्दूलो विश्वामित्रस्य भाषितम्।मुहूर्तमिव निस्संज्ञस्संज्ञावानिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tac chrutvā rājaśārdūlo viśvāmitrasya bhāṣitam |

muhūrtam iva nissaṃjñaḥ saṃjñāvān idam abravīt ||1.20.1||

Translation

Hearing Viśvāmitra’s words, the king—tiger among rulers—lost awareness for a moment; then, regaining composure, he spoke as follows.

Context

On hearing Viswamitra, words the tiger among kings (Dasaratha) lost his senses for a moment and on regaining his consciousness spoke this way.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

Dharma can place a person between reverence for a sage’s demand and parental/royal responsibility; the verse shows the gravity of such moral tension before speech and decision.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra has made a request (to take Rāma), and Daśaratha reacts with shock, briefly losing composure before responding.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s eventual self-control—he regains awareness and speaks thoughtfully rather than remaining overwhelmed.