Shloka 2.111.6

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकादशोत्तरशततमः सर्गः (Sarga 111: Counsel on Gurus, Parental Debt, and Bharata’s Protest)

Devanagari script

वृद्धाया धर्मशीलाया मातुर्नार्हस्यवर्तितुम्।अस्या हि वचनं कुर्वन्नातिवर्तेस्सतां गतिम्।।।।

Transliteration

vṛddhāyā dharmaśīlāyā mātur nārhasi avartitum | asyā hi vacanaṃ kurvan nātivartes satāṃ gatim ||

Translation

She is your aged mother, steadfast in righteousness; it is not fitting for you to withhold your service from her. By doing her bidding, you will not depart from the path of the virtuous.

Context

Here is your aged and righteous mother. It does not behove you to deny your service to her. By obeying her, you will never deviate from the path of the virtuous.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Rāma
• mother (Kauśalyā implied)

FAQs

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

Mātṛ-sevā as dharma: serving and honoring one’s mother—especially one devoted to righteousness—is presented as a direct expression of the virtuous path.

What is the narrative situation?

Amid uncertainty about rule and exile, Vasiṣṭha anchors Rāma’s conduct in immediate household dharma: care for his mother.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate duty: steadfast readiness to serve elders and uphold familial obligations.