Shloka 2.16.24

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

Devanagari script

पूर्वां दिशं वज्रधरो दक्षिणां पातु ते यमः।वरुणः पश्चिमामाशां धनेशस्तूत्तरां दिशम्।।।।

Transliteration

pūrvāṁ diśaṁ vajradharo dakṣiṇāṁ pātu te yamaḥ |

varuṇaḥ paścimām āśāṁ dhaneśas tūttarāṁ diśam || 2.16.24 ||

Translation

“May Vajradhara (Indra) guard you in the east; Yama in the south; Varuṇa in the west; and Dhaneśa (Kubera) in the north.”

Context

May Indra protect you on the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west and Kubera in the north.

Characters & Entities

• Indra (Vajradhara)
• Yama
• Varuṇa
• Kubera (Dhaneśa)
• Sītā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed through maṅgala-āśīḥ (auspicious blessing): invoking cosmic guardians reflects the belief that righteous action proceeds under divine order and protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā offers a directional protection-blessing to Rāma as he is about to depart.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s benevolence and devotional propriety—she responds to duty-bound movement with prayerful protection rather than anxiety.