Shloka 2.17.16

रामस्य राजमार्गगमनम् (Rama’s Progress along the Royal Highway)

Devanagari script

चतुष्पथान्देवपथांश्चैत्यान्यायतनानि च।।।।प्रदक्षिणं परिहरन् जगाम नृपते स्सुतः।

Transliteration

catuṣpathān deva-pathāṃś caityāny āyatanāni ca | pradakṣiṇaṃ pariharan jagāma nṛpateḥ sutaḥ ||

Translation

The king’s son went on, passing reverently with them to his right—crossroads, deva-roads, sacred monuments, and shrines.

Context

The son of the king proceeded, leaving on his right, squares (intersections of four roads), and roads leading to temples, monuments and shrines too.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• crossroads (catuṣpatha)
• deva-patha (temple roads)
• caitya (monuments)
• āyatana (shrines)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes reverence expressed through correct conduct: Rama honors sacred spaces and public religious sites through respectful movement (pradakṣiṇā-bhāva).

What is the narrative situation?

While moving through the city, Rama passes intersections and sacred sites, maintaining traditional etiquette toward them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maryādā (propriety): Rama’s discipline in small acts reflects inner reverence and cultural responsibility.