Shloka 2.102.3

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

Devanagari script

तं तु वज्रमिवोत्सृष्टमाहवे दानवारिणावाग्वज्रंभरते नोक्त ममनोज्ञं परन्तपः।।2.102.2।।प्रगृह्य रामो बाहू वैपुष्पिताग्रो यथा द्रुमः।वने परशुना कृत्तस्तथा भुवि पपात ह।।2.102.3।।

Transliteration

idaṃ bhuṅkṣva mahārāja prīto yad aśanā vayam | yadannaḥ puruṣo bhavati tadannās tasya devatāḥ ||

Translation

“O great king, be pleased and partake of this food, such as we ourselves now eat; for the deities connected with a person share the very food that the person takes.”

Context

On hearing the thunderlike words spoken by Bharata afflicting the mind, like the thunderbolt hurled by Indra (enemy of demons) in a battle, Rama, the scorcher of enemies, stretching forth both his arms, fell down on the ground like a tree with flowering tops severed by an axe in the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Devatāḥ (deities, as a ritual concept)

FAQs

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

Dharma is reverent reciprocity: the living share what they have with the departed through offerings, affirming responsibility, gratitude, and truthful remembrance (satya) toward one’s father.

What is the narrative situation?

After placing the offerings, Rāma formally invites his deceased father-king to accept the food-offering as part of the funeral rite.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Filial devotion joined with humility: Rāma offers what is available in exile, showing sincerity rather than display.