Shloka 3.7.24

सुतीक्ष्णाश्रमप्रवेशः — Entry into Sutikshna’s Hermitage

Devanagari script

ततश्शुभं तापसभोज्यमन्नं स्वयं सुतीक्ष्णः पुरुषर्षभाभ्याम्।ताभ्यां सुसत्कृत्य ददौ महात्मा सन्ध्यानिवृत्तौ रजनीं मवेक्ष्य।।3.7.24।।

Transliteration

sa nirīkṣya tato dhīro rāmaṃ dharmabhṛtāṃ varam |

samāśliṣya ca bāhubhyām idaṃ vacanam abravīt || 3.7.7 ||

Translation

Then the steadfast sage, gazing upon Rāma—the foremost among the upholders of dharma—embraced him with both arms and spoke these words.

Context

Seeing that the evening had passed and night had set in, the great sage Sutikshna with due hospitality, served those best of men, food fit for ascetics.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē araṇyakāṇḍē saptamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the seventh sarga of Aranyakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Sutikṣṇa
• Rāma
• dharma

FAQs

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

Recognition of dharma is itself dharmic: the sage honors Rāma as an exemplar of righteousness, affirming moral leadership through reverent acknowledgement.

What is the narrative situation?

Sutikṣṇa receives Rāma warmly, embracing him before speaking further.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hospitality and discernment—Sutikṣṇa’s ability to recognize virtue and respond with affectionate respect.