Shloka 3.15.4

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

Devanagari script

रमते यत्र वैदेही त्वमहं चैव लक्ष्मण।तादृशो दृश्यतां देशस्सन्निकृष्टजलाशयः।।।।वनरामण्यकं यत्र स्थलरामण्यकं तथा।सन्निकृष्टं च यत्र स्यात्समित्पुष्पकुशोदकम्।।।।

Transliteration

evam uktaḥ tu rāmeṇa lakṣmaṇaḥ saṃyatāñjaliḥ |

sītā-samakṣaṃ kākutstham idaṃ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Thus instructed by Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa—hands folded in reverence—spoke these words to Kakutstha (Rāma) in Sītā’s presence.

Context

Look, O Lakshmana ! for a place to the liking of Sita, a place where there is water source nearby where both of us can enjoy. Find a beautiful location where the surrounding forest is beautiful and where faggots, flowers, water and kusa grass are available at hand.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• Kakutstha (epithet of Rāma)

FAQs

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

Dharma is courteous obedience: Lakṣmaṇa responds with humility and respect, embodying disciplined service to his elder brother and king.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma gives instructions to find a hermitage site, Lakṣmaṇa prepares to reply formally, with Sītā witnessing the exchange.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s vinaya (humility) and seva-bhāva (spirit of service).