Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 63, Shloka 29
दशरथस्य शोकानुचिन्तनं शब्धवेधि-दोषस्मरणं च
Daśaratha’s grief, karmic reflection, and the remembered ‘śabdavedhī’ misdeed
प्रविविक्तां नदीं रात्रावुदाहाऽरोहमागतः।इषुणाऽभिहतः केन कस्य वा किं कृतं मया।।2.63.29।।
praviviktāṃ nadīṃ rātrāv udāhāroham āgataḥ |
iṣuṇā 'bhihataḥ kena kasya vā kiṃ kṛtaṃ mayā || 2.63.29 ||
“रात में मैं जल भरने के लिए इस एकान्त नदी-तट पर उतरा था। किसने मुझे बाण से मारा? मैंने किसका क्या अपराध किया है?”
After Rama had left along with his wife the king of Kosala (Dasaratha) recollected his former evil deed and wanted to narrate it to the dark-eyed Kausalya.
FAQs
Dharma is fairness and non-injury: punishment or violence without cause violates justice, especially when the victim is blameless.
The wounded ascetic explains he came only to fetch water and asks why he has been attacked.
Harmlessness and sincerity—he presents his innocent purpose and appeals to truth.