Shloka 3.8.3

सुतीक्ष्णाश्रमप्रस्थानम् (Departure from Sutikshna’s Hermitage)

Devanagari script

अथ तेऽग्निं सुरांश्चैव वैदेही रामलक्ष्मणौ।काल्यं विधिवदभ्यर्च्य तपस्विशरणे वने।।।।उदयन्तं दिनकरं दृष्ट्वा विगतकल्मषाः।सुतीक्ष्णभिगम्येदं श्लक्ष्णं वचनमब्रुवन्।।।।

Transliteration

tvarāmahe vayaṃ draṣṭuṃ kṛtsnam āśrama-maṇḍalam | ṛṣīṇāṃ puṇya-śīlānāṃ daṇḍakāraṇya-vāsinām ||

Translation

We hasten to behold the entire circle of hermitages of the sages of holy conduct who dwell in Daṇḍakāraṇya; therefore we must make speed.

Context

And as per routine, sinless Sita, Rama and Lakshmana offered prayers to the fire and other gods of the forest which was the refuge of the ascetics. Seeing the rising Sun, they worshipped him, and approaching Sutikshna, said these soothing words:

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sutikshna
• Sages (rishis)
• Dandakaranya
• Ashrama-mandala (circle of hermitages)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as active concern for the righteous: seeking out and honoring communities of sages, which sustains the moral-spiritual order of the forest realm.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains to Sutikṣṇa that they must proceed quickly because they intend to visit many hermitages across Daṇḍakāraṇya.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Purposefulness and reverence—Rāma prioritizes meeting and supporting holy sages rather than personal comfort.