Shloka 3.10.8

दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)

Devanagari script

मया तु वचनं श्रुत्वा तेषामेवं मुखाच्च्युतम्।कृत्वा चरणशुश्रूषां वाक्यमेतदुदाहृतम्।।।।

Transliteration

mayā tu vacanaṃ śrutvā teṣām evaṃ mukhāc cyutam |

kṛtvā caraṇa-śuśrūṣāṃ vākyam etad udāhṛtam ||

Translation

Hearing those words that fell from their lips, I bowed in reverence at their feet and then spoke these words.

Context

On hearing the words that came from their mouth, I bowed at their feet and said:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• sages/munis

FAQs

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

Dharma includes honoring the spiritually accomplished; even a warrior-prince shows reverence to sages, recognizing moral and ascetic authority.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma receives the sages’ plea and respectfully bows before replying.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and reverence (vinaya) toward the righteous.