Shloka 3.11.42

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

Devanagari script

दक्षिणां दिशमास्थाय वनषण्डस्य पार्श्वतः।तत्रागस्त्याश्रमपदं गत्वा योजनमन्तरा।।।।

Transliteration

dakṣiṇāṃ diśam āsthāya vana-ṣaṇḍasya pārśvataḥ |

tatrāgastyāśrama-padaṃ gatvā yojanam antarā ||

Translation

Set out toward the south, along the side of a dense grove; going on for another yojana, you will reach the site of the sage Agastya’s hermitage (āśrama).

Context

If you go in the southern direction for a yojana you will find Agasthya's hermitage by the side of a cluster of trees.

Characters & Entities

• Agastya
• Agastya’s hermitage
• southern direction (dakṣiṇā diś)
• forest grove (vana-ṣaṇḍa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as respect for sacred persons and places: receiving correct guidance and moving toward a r̥ṣi’s āśrama with intention and reverence.

What is the narrative situation?

Sūtīkṣṇa provides practical directions to Agastya’s hermitage, locating it southward near a grove, about a yojana away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Teachability and humility—Rāma proceeds by the counsel of sages, reflecting his commitment to righteous guidance.