Shloka 3.6.22

षष्ठस्सर्गः — तपस्विरक्षणे राजधर्मोपदेशः (Sarga 6: The Sages’ Appeal and Instruction on Royal Duty)

Devanagari script

नैवमर्हथ मां वक्तुमाज्ञाप्योऽहं तपस्विनाम्।केवलेनात्मकार्येण प्रवेष्टव्यं मया वनं।।।।

Transliteration

naivam arhatha māṃ vaktum ājñāpyo'haṃ tapasvinām | kevalenātmakāryeṇa praveṣṭavyaṃ mayā vanaṃ ||

Translation

You should not address me in this manner; I am one who ought to be commanded by ascetics. Nor have I entered the forest merely for a private purpose alone.

Context

You should not speak to me this way. I deserve to be commanded by the ascetics. I have not entered this forest only on a personal mission.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Tapasvins/ascetics
• Forest (Araṇya)

FAQs

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

Dharma joins power with humility: even a prince treats ascetics as moral superiors and frames his forest-life as duty, not self-interest.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma begins his reply, correcting the tone of praise and clarifying his role as one obligated to serve and protect the tapasvins.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humility) and satya (candour): Rāma truthfully states he is not in the forest only for personal ends.