Shloka 1.20.7

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

Devanagari script

बालो ह्यकृतविद्यश्च न च वेत्ति बलाबलम्।न चास्त्रबलसंयुक्तो न च युद्धविशारद:।।।।न चासौ रक्षसां योग्य: कूटयुद्धा हि ते ध्रुवम् ।

Transliteration

viprayukto hi rāmeṇa muhūrtam api notsahe | jīvituṁ muniśārdūla na rāmaṁ netum arhasi ||

Translation

If I am separated from Rāma, I cannot bear to live even for a moment. O tiger among sages, you should not take Rāma away.

Context

Rama is still a child, he is not learned in the science of warfare,he does not know the strength and weakness of enemies. He has not acquired as yet the strength of using weapons and is not proficient in warfare. You know certainly those rakshasas are deceitful in battle. And hence he is not qualified to oppose them in the battle succesfully.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It foregrounds the human side of dharma: even a king bound to public duty is bound by deep familial responsibility and love. The epic uses this to set up the later, higher demand of keeping one’s word and serving a sage’s righteous purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha makes an emotional appeal to Viśvāmitra, stating he cannot endure separation from Rāma and asking the sage not to take him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vātsalya (fatherly affection) and emotional honesty—Daśaratha openly confesses his dependence on his son’s presence.