Shloka 3.15.21

पञ्चवटी-निवासः (Settlement at Pañcavaṭī and Construction of the Hermitage)

Devanagari script

पर्णशालां सुविपुलां तत्र सङ्खातमृत्तिकाम्।सुस्तम्भां मस्करैर्दीर्घैः कृतवंशां सुशोभनाम्।।3.15. 21।।शमीशाखाभिरास्तीर्य दृढपाशावपाशिताम्।कुशकाशशरैः पर्णैस्सुपरिच्छादितां तथा।।3.15.22।।समीकृततलां रम्यां चकार लघुविक्रमः।निवासं राघवस्यार्थे प्रेक्षणीयमनुत्तमम्।।3.15.23।।

Transliteration

parṇaśālāṃ suvipulāṃ tatra saṅkhāta-mṛttikām |

su-stambhāṃ maskaraiḥ dīrghaiḥ kṛta-vaṃśāṃ suśobhanām || 3.15.21 ||

Translation

There Lakṣmaṇa—swift in execution—prepared a spacious leaf-hut: he dug and set the earthwork, raised firm supports with long bamboo poles, and made the structure well-formed and pleasing to behold.

Context

Lakshmana who was quick to act dug the clay with nippers, planted long bamboo poles, put branches of sami trees across and tied them with strong ropes. He spread kusa and kasa grass and leaves on the levelled ground. He built a beautiful, spacious and nice residence for Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• parṇaśālā (leaf-hut)
• bamboo (maskara)

FAQs

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

Sevā-dharma: Lakṣmaṇa fulfills duty through practical, selfless service—creating safety and order for Rāma’s righteous life in exile.

What is the narrative situation?

At Pañcavaṭī in the Daṇḍaka forest, Lakṣmaṇa begins constructing a leaf-hut (parṇaśālā) as the residence for Rāma (and Sītā).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s promptness, competence, and devotion—he acts efficiently and beautifully completes what is needed for his elder brother’s dharma.