Shloka 3.11.46

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

Devanagari script

पश्यन्वनानि रम्याणि पर्वतांश्चाभ्रसन्निभान्।।।।सरांसि सरितश्चैव पथि मार्गवशानुगाः।सुतीक्ष्णेनोपदिष्टेन गत्वा तेन पथा सुखम्।।।।इदं परमसंहृष्टो वाक्यं लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत्।

Transliteration

paśyan vanāni ramyāṇi parvatāṃś cābhra-sannibhān |

sarāṃsi saritaś caiva pathi mārga-vaśānugāḥ |

sutīkṣṇenopadiṣṭena gatvā tena pathā sukham |

idaṃ parama-saṃhṛṣṭo vākyaṃ lakṣmaṇam abravīt ||

Translation

Going along the path shown by Sūtīkṣṇa, Rāma joyfully beheld delightful forests, mountains like clouds, and the lakes and rivers that lay along their route. Greatly pleased, he spoke these words to Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

Enjoying the sight of delightful forests, cloud-like mountains, lakes and rivers on the way, and following the directions given by Sutikshna, Rama was happy. He said to Lakshmana:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sūtīkṣṇa
• forests
• mountains
• lakes
• rivers

FAQs

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

Dharma is mindful living: even while pursuing duty, one remains attentive, grateful, and steady—taking joy without losing discipline or purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma journeys onward by Sūtīkṣṇa’s directions, enjoys the scenery, and prepares to address Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Balanced composure—Rāma’s capacity to remain cheerful and observant while continuing a demanding dharmic path in exile.