Shloka 3.24.12

उत्पातदर्शनं खरसैन्यसमागमश्च (Omens of calamity and the approach of Khara’s army)

Devanagari script

तस्माद्गृहीत्वा वैदेहीं शरपाणिर्धनुर्धरः।गुहामाश्रय शैलस्य दुर्गां पादपसङ्कुलाम्।।।।

Transliteration

tasmād gṛhītvā vaidehīṃ śarapāṇir dhanurdharaḥ | guhām āśraya śailasya durgāṃ pādapasaṅkulām ||

Translation

Therefore take Vaidehī (Sītā) with you and, bow in hand and arrows at the ready, seek refuge in an inaccessible, well-defended cave of the mountain, thick with trees.

Context

Therefore, take shelter along with Sita in the inaccessible mountain cave, overgrown with trees, ready with your bow and arrows.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Sita (Vaidehi)
• mountain cave (guhā)
• bow (dhanuḥ)
• arrows (śara)

FAQs

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

Protecting the vulnerable is paramount: Rama prioritizes Sītā’s safety and assigns Lakṣmaṇa the duty of guardianship while danger approaches.

What is the narrative situation?

After noticing ominous portents, Rama directs Lakshmana to move Sītā to a defensible, concealed location (a hard-to-reach mountain cave).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and protective responsibility—Lakshmana is urged to be vigilant and prepared, embodying disciplined guardianship.