Back to The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse
From "The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse" by Valmiki
Daśaratha
The King of Ayodhya, father of Ráma, and a wise and just ruler.
Core Belief
"A king must uphold dharma (righteousness) and protect his people, even at great personal cost."
Worldview
The world is governed by divine law, and a king's duty is to maintain order and ensure the well-being of his kingdom.
Personality
Just, wise, and revered, but also prone to weakness and swayed by his love for his youngest queen, Kaikeyí. He is torn between his duty and his affections.
In Their Own Words
"With him, his best and eldest son, By all his princely virtues won King Daśaratha willed to share His kingdom as the Regent Heir."
"By chains of duty firmly tied, The wretched king perforce complied."
"Grant, Saint divine, the boon I ask, For thee, I ween, an easy task, To whom the power is given to know If such a man breathe here below."
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