Shloka 2.103.28

पिण्डदानदर्शनम् — The Queens Behold Rama’s Śrāddha Offering

Devanagari script

पुरोहितस्याग्निसमस्य वै तदा बृहस्पतेरिन्द्रमिवामराधिपः।प्रगृह्य पादौ सुसमृद्धतेजसस्सहैव तेनोपविवेश राघवः।।2.103.28।।

Transliteration

purohitasya agni-samasya vai tadā bṛhaspater indram ivāmarādhipaḥ | pragṛhya pādau su-samṛddha-tejasaḥ sahaiva tenopaviveśa rāghavaḥ || 2.103.28 ||

Translation

Then Rāghava, having clasped the feet of that family priest whose brilliance was like fire, sat down beside him—just as Indra, lord of the gods, does beside Bṛhaspati.

Context

Rama touched the feet of the family priest Vasistha, a man equivalent to effulgent fire like Indra, the lord of the gods, does to Brihaspati and sat down along with him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Vasiṣṭha (purohita)
• Indra
• Bṛhaspati
• agni (fire)

FAQs

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

Dharma is strengthened by proper counsel: sitting beside the purohita after honoring him signals that righteous leadership listens to wisdom and tradition.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma completes the act of respect to Vasiṣṭha and takes his seat near him, establishing the formal setting for counsel and dialogue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s reverence and composure—he follows sacred protocol even under emotional strain.