Shloka 2.16.23

सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)

Devanagari script

दीक्षितं व्रतसम्पन्नं वराजिनधरं शुचिम्।कुरङ्गशृङ्गपाणिं च पश्यन्ती त्वां भजाम्यहम्।।।।

Transliteration

dīkṣitaṁ vratasampannaṁ varājinadharaṁ śucim |

kuraṅgaśṛṅgapāṇiṁ ca paśyantī tvāṁ bhajāmy aham || 2.16.23 ||

Translation

“I shall rejoice to behold you consecrated—steadfast in vows, pure, clad in fine deer-skin, and holding the antelope’s horn in your hand.”

Context

I shall be delighted to see you initiated and engaged in the observance of the vow made pure, wearing excellent deerskin and carrying the horns of an antelope in your hand.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• ajina (deer-skin)
• kuraṅga-śṛṅga (antelope horn)
• dīkṣā (initiation/consecration)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as self-restraint and ritual integrity: true authority is linked to vows, purity, and disciplined observance rather than luxury.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā continues her auspicious speech, picturing Rāma in the formal signs of consecration—vowed, purified, and bearing ritual items.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s anticipated vrataniṣṭhā (steadfastness in vows) and śauca (purity), and Sītā’s reverent admiration for dharmic kingship.