Shloka 3.11.31

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

Devanagari script

अस्मिन्नरण्ये भगवानगस्त्यो मुनिसत्तमः।।।।वसतीति मया नित्यं कथाः कथयतां श्रुतम्।

Transliteration

asminn araṇye bhagavān agastyo munisattamaḥ |

vasatīti mayā nityaṃ kathāḥ kathayatāṃ śrutam ||

Translation

In this forest, they say, dwells the blessed Agastya, best among sages; I have continually heard this from those who recount these sacred accounts.

Context

I have heard others saying that lord Agastya, the great sage, lives in this forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sutikshna
• Agastya
• Forest (Araṇya)

FAQs

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

Truth-seeking through reliable testimony: Rama cites what he has consistently heard, signaling careful speech and a desire to verify through a trustworthy sage.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama, speaking to Sutikshna, introduces the topic of Agastya’s residence in the forest based on repeated reports.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-yukta-vāk (truth-aligned speech): Rama frames his knowledge as ‘heard from narrators,’ avoiding exaggeration and inviting confirmation.