Shloka 3.47.18

सीतारावणसंवादः — Ravana Reveals Himself; Sita Affirms Rama’s Dharma

Devanagari script

तस्य भ्राता तु द्वैमात्रो लक्ष्मणो नाम वीर्यवान्।।3.47.18।।रामस्य पुरुषव्याघ्रस्सहायस्समरेरिहा।

Transliteration

dadyān na pratigṛhṇīyāt satyaṃ brūyān na cānṛtam ||3.47.17|| etad brāhmaṇa rāmasya dhṛvaṃ vratam anuttamam |

Translation

O brahmin, this is Rāma’s fixed and unsurpassed vow: to give and not accept; to speak truth and never falsehood.

Context

Son to the second mother of Rama, his mighty half-brother, by name, Lakshmana, a tiger among men and a slayer of enemies in battle is a companion to him.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• brahmin (brāhmaṇa)

FAQs

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

Satya as a supreme vow, paired with dāna (giving): righteousness is defined as generosity without grasping, and speech anchored in truth without deviation.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā explains Rāma’s moral code to the visiting ‘brahmin,’ emphasizing his unwavering commitment to truth and giving.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s integrity: truthfulness (satya) and non-grasping generosity (dāna without taking).