Shloka 3.1.16

तापसाश्रममण्डलदर्शनम् (Entering Dandaka and Meeting the Sages)

Devanagari script

ततो रामस्य सत्कृत्य विधिना पावकोपमाः।आजह्रुस्ते महाभागाः सलिलं धर्मचारिणः।।।।

Transliteration

tato rāmasya satkṛtya vidhinā pāvakopamāḥ | ājahrus te mahābhāgāḥ salilaṃ dharmacāriṇaḥ ||

Translation

Thereafter, those noble sages—pure as fire—having honored Rāma according to proper custom, brought him water, acting in accordance with dharma.

Context

The great sages comparable to the fire-god and followers of righteousness honoured Rama according to tradition by offering water.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Forest sages (mahābhāgāḥ, dharmacāriṇaḥ)
• Water (salila)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma as practiced courtesy: hospitality is not merely emotion but an enacted code (vidhi), expressed through offering water and respectful service.

What is the narrative situation?

The sages complete customary hospitality rites for Rāma by bringing water after seating him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The sages’ purity and disciplined righteousness—likened to fire—shown through correct, compassionate conduct.