Shloka 3.71.24

दनु-शापकथा तथा सीताहरण-प्रश्नः (Danu’s Curse Narrative and Rama’s Inquiry about Sita)

Devanagari script

काष्ठान्यादाय शुष्काणि काले भग्नानि कुञ्जरैः।।3.71.24।।धक्ष्यामस्त्वां वयं वीर श्वभ्रे महति कल्पिते।

Transliteration

kāṣṭhāny ādāya śuṣkāṇi kāle bhagnāni kuñjaraiḥ | dhakṣyāmas tvāṃ vayaṃ vīra śvabhre mahati kalpite ||

Translation

O hero, gathering dry logs—seasoned by time and broken by elephants—we shall cremate you in a great pit prepared for the rite.

Context

O hero! we will cremate you in a huge pit to be prepared for this occasion, collecting dry logs of wood broken by elephants.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Danu
• Elephants
• Agni (implied by cremation)

FAQs

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

Performing proper last rites is a dharmic obligation; even amid personal crisis, Rāma commits to ritual propriety and respectful treatment of the dead.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma promises Danu that they will prepare materials and a pit and perform his cremation as requested/required.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sense of duty and compassion—upholding sacred rites and honoring commitments.