Shloka 3.13.18

पञ्चवटी-निर्देशः (Agastya Directs Rama to Panchavati)

Devanagari script

हृदयस्थश्च ते छन्दो विज्ञातस्तपसा मया।।।।इहावासं प्रतिज्ञाय मया सह तपोवने।अतश्च त्वामहं ब्रूमि गच्छ पञ्चवटीमिति।।।।

Transliteration

hṛdayasthaś ca te chando vijñātas tapasā mayā || ihāvāsaṃ pratijñāya mayā saha tapovane | ataś ca tvām ahaṃ brūmi gaccha pañcavaṭīm iti ||

Translation

Even the wish that rests in your heart is known to me through my austerity. Therefore, after assuring a stay here with me in this grove of penance, I tell you: ‘Go to Pañcavaṭī.’

Context

I know your heart by virtue of my penance. I, therefore, ask you to proceed to Panchavati, after ensuring your stay here with me in this penance-grove for the time being.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Pañcavaṭī
• tapovana (grove of penance)
• tapas (austerity)

FAQs

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

Dharma is accepting guidance from realized sages and acting in an orderly, respectful way—first honoring the āśrama’s hospitality, then proceeding to one’s duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Agastya, reading Rāma’s intention, directs him toward Pañcavaṭī, while also arranging a proper, promised stay in the ascetic grove.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and readiness to follow dharmic counsel; Agastya’s spiritual insight and responsible direction.