Shloka 3.15.7

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

Devanagari script

परवानस्मि काकुत्स्थ त्वयि वर्षशतं स्थिते।स्वयं तु रुचिरे देशे क्रियतामिति मां वद।।।।

Transliteration

sa taṃ ruciram ākramya deśam āśrama-karmaṇi |

hastau gṛhītvā hastena rāmaḥ saumitrim abravīt ||

Translation

Having reached that lovely spot suited for establishing a hermitage, Rāma took Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa) by both hands in his own and spoke to him.

Context

O Rama, I shall be dependent on you, even if I live for a hundred years. You only need to indicate a beautiful place of your choice.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• āśrama (hermitage)

FAQs

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

Dharma is humane leadership: Rāma’s guidance is joined with affection and respect, not mere command—duty tempered by compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa arrive at the chosen site to begin building the hermitage; Rāma physically reassures Lakṣmaṇa and begins instructing him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s warmth and fraternal care while carrying out the disciplined life of exile.