Shloka 3.8.4

सुतीक्ष्णाश्रमप्रस्थानम् (Departure from Sutikshna’s Hermitage)

Devanagari script

अथ तेऽग्निं सुरांश्चैव वैदेही रामलक्ष्मणौ।काल्यं विधिवदभ्यर्च्य तपस्विशरणे वने।।3.8.3।।उदयन्तं दिनकरं दृष्ट्वा विगतकल्मषाः।सुतीक्ष्णभिगम्येदं श्लक्ष्णं वचनमब्रुवन्।।3.8.4।।

Transliteration

abhyanujñātum icchāmas saha ebhir muni-puṅgavaiḥ | dharma-nityais tapo-dāntair viśikhair iva pāvakaiḥ ||

Translation

We seek your leave to depart in the company of these foremost sages—ever steadfast in dharma, disciplined by tapas—like fires whose flames are unseen.

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
• Foremost sages (munipuṅgavaḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes deference to rightful authority and elders: even a capable prince seeks anujñā (permission/blessing) before acting in a sacred community.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma asks Sutikṣṇa for consent to travel with a group of eminent sages to visit other hermitages.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humble discipline): Rāma frames his plan through respect and seeks approval, not mere assent.