Shloka 1.21.1

बालकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Promise, Vasiṣṭha’s Counsel, and Viśvāmitra’s Weapon-Lore

Devanagari script

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य स्नेहपर्याकुलाक्षरम्।समन्यु: कौशिको वाक्यं प्रत्युवाच महीपतिम्।।।।

Transliteration

tac chrutvā vacanaṃ tasya sneha-paryākulākṣaram | samanyuḥ kauśiko vākyaṃ pratyuvāca mahīpatim ||

Translation

Hearing the king’s words—spoken with paternal affection and therefore wavering in expression—Kauśika (Viśvāmitra), stirred to anger, replied to the lord of the earth.

Context

Out of affection towards his son, his (king Dasaratha's) plea to Viswamitra was full of contradiction. And on hearing the king, enraged Viswamitra replied:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra (Kauśika)

FAQs

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

It underscores the tension between personal attachment and principled commitment: a king’s affectionate hesitation can conflict with the dharmic demand to honor a righteous request and keep one’s word.

What is the narrative situation?

After Daśaratha’s emotional plea regarding Rāma, the narration notes that Viśvāmitra becomes angry and prepares to answer the king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s uncompromising insistence on dharma and truthfulness (satya), even when confronting royal hesitation.