Shloka 3.13.12

पञ्चवटी-निर्देशः (Agastya Directs Rama to Panchavati)

Devanagari script

ततोऽब्रवीन्मुनिश्रेष्ठश्श्रुत्वा रामस्य तद्वचः।ध्यात्वा मुहूर्तं धर्मात्मा धीरो धीरतरं वचः।।।।

Transliteration

tato ’bravīn muniśreṣṭhaḥ śrutvā rāmasya tad-vacaḥ | dhyātvā muhūrtaṃ dharmātmā dhīro dhīrataraṃ vacaḥ ||

Translation

Then the foremost of sages, righteous in spirit and calm, having heard Rāma’s words, reflected for a moment and spoke speech even more composed and weighty.

Context

On hearing the words of Rama, Agastya, the best among the sages, cool-headed and righteous, thought a while and uttered these words coolly :

Characters & Entities

• Agastya
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Deliberation before speech: dharma values thoughtful counsel—truth and benefit delivered with composure.

What is the narrative situation?

Agastya hears Rāma’s request for a dwelling-place, pauses to consider, and begins his reply.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Wisdom and self-control (dhairya): Agastya models measured judgment rather than impulsive response.