Shloka 1.21.19

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

Devanagari script

एवं वीर्यो महातेजा विश्वामित्रो महायशाः।न रामगमने राजन् संशयं कर्तुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

yad idaṃ te kṣamaṃ rājan gamiṣyāmi yathāgatam |

mithyā-pratijñaḥ kākutstha sukhī bhava sabāndhavaḥ ||

Translation

If this seems acceptable to you, O King, then I shall depart as I came. O scion of Kakutstha, having made your pledge false, remain happy—along with your kinsmen.

Context

Such is the prowess of Viswamitra who is a highly effulgent and highly renowned sage. O King! in sending Rama, you need not entertain any doubt.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha
• Kakutstha (Ikṣvāku lineage)

FAQs

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

A vow must not be emptied of truth. The verse underscores that social and royal dharma collapse when a spoken commitment is treated as optional.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra, offended by Daśaratha’s wavering, declares he will leave, explicitly calling the king ‘false to his promise.’

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability to one’s word—especially for rulers whose promises function as public guarantees.