Shloka 1.20.21

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

Devanagari script

स त्वं प्रसादं धर्मज्ञ कुरुष्व मम पुत्रके।मम चैवाल्पभाग्यस्य दैवतं हि भवान्गुरु:।।।।

Transliteration

sa tvaṁ prasādaṁ dharmajña kuruṣva mama putrake | mama caivālpabhāgyasya daivataṁ hi bhavān guruḥ |

Translation

Therefore, O knower of dharma, show your grace toward my young son—and toward me as well, for I am of scant good fortune. You, my guru, are truly my divine refuge.

Context

"You are the knower of righteousness. Extend your favour to my little son and also to me for I am so who is unfortunate. You are verily my spiritual preceptor and god.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Respect for spiritual authority and seeking righteous guidance are part of dharma; the king submits to the moral insight of the sage rather than mere royal will.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, anxious about Rāma’s safety, appeals to Viśvāmitra’s compassion and spiritual guardianship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and surrender to wise counsel—acknowledging the guru as a moral anchor.