Shloka 2.102.25

पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च (Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī)

Devanagari script

ते सुतीर्थां ततः कृच्छ्रादुपागम्य यशस्विनः।नदीं मन्दाकिनीं रम्यां सदा पुष्पितकाननाम्।।2.102.24।।शीघ्रस्रोतसमासाद्य तीर्थं शिवमकर्दमम्।सिषिचु स्तूदकं राज्ञे तातैतत्ते भवत्विति।।2.102.25।।

Transliteration

śīghrasrotasam āsādya tīrthaṃ śivam akardamam | siṣicuḥ stūdakaṃ rājñe tāta etat te bhavatv iti ||

Translation

Reaching a pure and auspicious tīrtha where the current ran swift and the ground was not muddy, they poured out water as an offering for the king, saying, “Father, let this be for you.”

Context

The illustrious brothers approached with great difficulty the swiftflowing and enchanting river Mandakini which had convenient descent and endowed with forests always in bloom. They descended at an auspicious place that was not slushy and offered libations of water saying 'O father, let these offerings be yours'.

Characters & Entities

• Mandākinī River
• Daśaratha (the king, deceased)
• Rāma and brothers (princes)
• Tīrtha (bathing/ford place)

FAQs

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

Pitṛ-dharma (duty to one’s ancestors): offering water (tarpana) expresses gratitude and responsibility toward parents, a central Ramayana ethic of righteousness rooted in family obligation.

What is the narrative situation?

At the Mandākinī, the brothers perform libations of water to Daśaratha, explicitly dedicating the offering to him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Filial piety and reverence: even in exile and sorrow, they uphold rites for their father.