Shloka 3.11.1

पञ्चाप्सरो-सरः कथनम् तथा अगस्त्याश्रममार्गनिर्देशः (Panchapsara Lake Account and Directions to Agastya)

Devanagari script

अग्रतः प्रययौ रामस्सीता मध्ये सुमध्यमा।पृष्ठतस्तु धनुष्पाणिर्लक्ष्मणोऽनुजगाम ह।।।।

Transliteration

agrataḥ prayayau rāmas sītā madhye sumadhyamā |

pṛṣṭhatas tu dhanuṣpāṇir lakṣmaṇo 'nujagāma ha ||

Translation

Rāma went ahead; Sītā, slender-waisted, walked in the middle; and Lakṣmaṇa, bow in hand, followed behind.

Context

Rama walked in front, Sita with a beautiful waist, in the middle and Lakshmana holding the bow, behind them৷৷

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• dhanuṣ (bow)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as maryādā (proper order and protective responsibility): the armed guardian stays vigilant while ensuring Sītā’s safety.

What is the narrative situation?

The trio proceeds through the forest, with Rāma leading and Lakṣmaṇa guarding from behind.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s vigilance and protective devotion; Rāma’s leadership.