Shloka 3.15.22

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।।।।समीकृततलां रम्यां चकार लघुविक्रमः।निवासं राघवस्यार्थे प्रेक्षणीयमनुत्तमम्।।।।

Transliteration

śamī-śākhābhir āstīrya dṛḍha-pāśāvapāśitām |

kuśa-kāśa-śaraiḥ parṇaiḥ suparicchāditāṃ tathā || 3.15.22 ||

Translation

He spread śamī branches across, bound them fast with strong ropes, and then carefully roofed and covered the hut with kuśa grass, kāśa grass, reeds, and leaves.

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
• śamī (tree)
• kuśa (grass)
• kāśa (grass)
• śara (reeds)
• parṇa (leaves)
• ropes (pāśa)

FAQs

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

Dharma as disciplined care: even in exile, righteous living includes orderly habitation—done without luxury, but with thoroughness and propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa continues the hut construction, thatching and securing it using forest materials.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resourcefulness and conscientiousness—Lakṣmaṇa uses available means to create a stable, protective dwelling for Rāma’s dharmic life.