The Champion of Dharma Opens His Eyes
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 30
Doha 30 · Movement 2 of 2
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Dasharatha gathers the shattered remnants of composure. The champion of dharma steadies himself and opens his eyes toward the queen before him.
He strikes his head and releases a deep sigh. The demand has found the mortal place no weapon on a battlefield could reach.
The gesture joins body and realization. Ram is the king's life, truth is his lineage, and Kaikeyi has forced the two into apparent opposition. His hand rises helplessly to the head that wears the crown, while the heart beneath it knows the blow has already passed through.
Dasharatha opens his eyes only to feel the unseen weapon lodged in the vital centre of his life.
Read the passage from the Manas
धरम धुरंधर धीर धरि नयन उघारे रायँ। सिरु धुनि लीन्हि उसास असि मारेसि मोहि कुठायँ।।30।।
That champion of dharma steadied himself and opened his eyes. He beat his head and sighed deeply: "She has struck me in a mortal spot."