Valmiki Ramayana 2.11.3: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 11, Shloka 3
कैकेयीवरप्रार्थना · Kaikeyi Demands the Two Boons
प्रतिज्ञां प्रतिजानीष्व यदि त्वं कर्तुमिच्छसि ।
अथ तद्व्याहरिष्यामि यदभिप्रार्थितं मया ॥३॥
pratijñāṁ pratijānīṣva yadi tvaṁ kartum icchasi |
atha tad vyāhariṣyāmi yad abhiprārthitaṁ mayā ||3||
اگر تم واقعی میری مراد پوری کرنا چاہتی ہو تو پہلے وعدہ کر کے عہد باندھ لو؛ پھر میں وہ بات کہوں گا جو میں نے طلب کی ہے۔
If you are inclined to accomplish my desire, then promise me that you will fulfil them. Thereafter I shall reveal it to you.
FAQs
The verse foregrounds the binding force of a pledged word (pratijñā). In dharma-ethics, a promise—especially by a king—creates moral obligation and accountability.
Kaikeyī is about to demand her boons; she first compels Daśaratha to commit himself to fulfil her wish before she reveals it.
The implied virtue is satya (truth-keeping): the duty to stand by one’s pledged word once given.
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