Shloka 3.20.2

विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः — The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā

Devanagari script

ते रामं पर्णशालायामुपविष्टं महाबलम्।ददृशुस्सीतया सार्धं वैदेह्या लक्ष्मणेन च।।।

Transliteration

te rāmaṃ parṇaśālāyām upaviṣṭaṃ mahābalam |

dadṛśuḥ sītayā sārdhaṃ vaidehyā lakṣmaṇena ca ||

Translation

They saw mighty Rāma seated in the leaf-thatched hut, together with Sītā Vaidehī and Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

They saw mighty Rama together with Vaidehi and Lakshmana sitting in the leaf-thatched cottage.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• parṇaśālā (leaf-thatched hut)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds household order and protective duty: Rāma remains composed and present with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, indicating disciplined vigilance and rightful guardianship even in the forest.

What is the narrative situation?

A group (the approaching rākṣasas along with Śūrpaṇakhā in the surrounding context) arrives and catches sight of Rāma seated with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa in the hermitage hut.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadiness and strength—calm presence under threat—supported by Lakṣmaṇa’s attentive companionship.