Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 73
शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः
The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death
कौसल्ये चित्तमोहेन हृदयं सीदतीव मे।वेदये न च संयुक्तान् शब्दस्पर्शरसानहम्।।।।
kausalyā cittamohena hṛdayaṃ sīdatīva me | vedaye na ca saṃyuktān śabdasparśarasān aham ||
ಹೇ ಕೌಸಲ್ಯೆ, ಚಿತ್ತಮೋಹದಿಂದ ನನ್ನ ಹೃದಯವು ಮುಳುಗುವಂತೆ ಆಗುತ್ತಿದೆ; ಶಬ್ದ-ಸ್ಪರ್ಶ-ರಸಗಳ ಸಂಯುಕ್ತ ಅನುಭವವನ್ನು ನಾನು ಈಗ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಗ್ರಹಿಸಲಾರೆ.
O Kausalya!, my heart, it appears is sinking and on account of delusion I am not able to feel the sense objects like sound touch and taste together.
FAQs
It warns that uncontrolled grief and delusion can erode discernment; dharma depends on clarity of mind, which must be protected through right counsel and restraint.
Daśaratha’s physical and mental faculties collapse as he nears death, speaking to Kausalyā about failing perception.
Human vulnerability is emphasized rather than heroism—highlighting the need for steadiness (dhairya) and truthful recognition of suffering.