Shloka 1.21.6

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

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकूणां कुले जातस्साक्षाद्धर्म इवापर:।धृतिमान् सुव्रत: श्रीमान्नधर्मं हातुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

ikṣvākūṇāṃ kule jātaḥ sākṣād dharma ivāparaḥ | dhṛtimān suvrataḥ śrīmān na dharmaṃ hātum arhasi ||

Translation

Born in the line of Ikṣvāku, you are as it were Dharma himself in a second form—steadfast, faithful to noble vows, and illustrious. You must not forsake righteousness and your pledged duty.

Context

"Born in the line of Ikshvaku, you are a veritable the second god of righteousness, firm adherent of vows auspicious and virtuous. It is not right on your part to abandon yourpromise.

Characters & Entities

• Ikṣvāku (dynasty)
• Daśaratha
• Dharma (personified principle)

FAQs

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

A king’s dharma is to uphold truth and commitments—especially when made to a sage—placing public righteousness above private hesitation.

What is the narrative situation?

At court, Daśaratha is exhorted not to withdraw from the righteous course of action (sending Rāma with Viśvāmitra) after the request has been made.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s expected virtue is satya (truthfulness) and dhṛti (steadfastness) in maintaining vows befitting the Ikṣvāku tradition.