Shloka 5.33.23

हनूमत्सीतासंवादः (Hanumān–Sītā Dialogue and Identity Verification)

Devanagari script

ततस्तु स्थविरो राजा सत्ये धर्मे व्यवस्थितः।।।।ज्येष्ठं यशस्विनं पुत्रं रुदन्राज्यमयाचत।

Transliteration

tatas tu sthaviro rājā satye dharme vyavasthitaḥ |

jyeṣṭhaṃ yaśasvinaṃ putraṃ rudan rājyam ayācata ||

Translation

Then the aged king—steadfast in truth and dharma—begged, weeping, his glorious eldest son to accept the kingdom and rule.

Context

"The aged king who held on to truthfulness and righteousness begged his famed eldest son Rama to return the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Dasaratha
• Rama

FAQs

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

The tension between personal desire and pledged truth: even a dharmic king can be torn when truth-bound obligations conflict with what he believes is right for the realm.

What is the narrative situation?

After Kaikeyī’s demand, Daśaratha pleads with Rama, hoping to avert exile and restore the coronation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s attachment to dharma and his paternal love, expressed through humble supplication.