Shloka 3.2.3

Virādha-saṃvādaḥ — Encounter with Virādha in the Daṇḍakāraṇya (Aranya Kanda, Sarga 2)

Devanagari script

नानामृगगणाकीर्णमृक्षशार्दूल सेवितम्।ध्वस्तवृक्षलतागुल्मं दुर्दर्शसलिलाशयम्।।3.2.2।।निष्कूजनानाशकुनिझिल्लिकागणनादितम्।लक्ष्मणानुगतो रामो वनमध्यं ददर्श ह।।3.2.3।।

Transliteration

niṣkūjanānā-śakuni-jhillikā-gaṇa-nāditam | lakṣmaṇānugato rāmo vanamadhyaṃ dadarśa ha ||

Translation

With Lakṣmaṇa following him, Rāma beheld the forest’s interior, resonant with the calls of many birds and the chirping of swarms of crickets.

Context

With Lakshmana following, Rama went through the forest, filled with herds of animals and inhabited by bears and tigers. It was a place where trees, creepers and bushes were crushed (by frequent visits of demons). It was difficult to locate a water source. And it resounded with the chirping of various birds and insects (crickets).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

It underscores the disciplined acceptance of vanavāsa—living rightly even in hardship, maintaining awareness and steadiness while traversing uncertain terrain.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa move through the forest; the narration sets the scene with vivid natural soundscape before danger emerges.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance and composure—Rāma continues his duty-bound journey without complaint.