Shloka 3.7.22

सुतीक्ष्णाश्रमप्रवेशः — Entry into Sutikshna’s Hermitage

Devanagari script

तमेवमुक्त्वोपरमं रामस्सन्ध्यामुपागमत्।।3.7.22।।अन्वास्य पश्चिमां स्नध्यां तत्र वासमकल्पयत्।सुतीक्ष्णस्याऽश्रमे रम्ये सीतया लक्ष्मणेन च।।3.7.23।।

Transliteration

tatra tāpasam āsīnaṃ malapaṅka-jaṭādharam |

rāmaḥ sutīkṣṇaṃ vidhivat tapo-vṛddham abhāṣata || 3.7.5 ||

Translation

There Rāma, following proper custom, addressed Sutikṣṇa—the ascetic seated there, bearing matted locks soiled with dust and mud, aged and matured by austerities.

Context

Rama stopped with this. And then the evening drew to a close. Offering his evening oblation, he arranged for his stay along with Sita and Lakshmana in the delightful hermitage of Sutikshna.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sutikṣṇa
• hermitage (āśrama)
• tapas (austerity)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as maryādā (propriety): even as a prince, Rāma approaches an ascetic with correct ritual respect and speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reaches Sutikṣṇa’s hermitage and begins the formal greeting and conversation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and reverence toward spiritually accomplished elders.