Shloka 2.19.4

एकोनविंशः सर्गः (Sarga 19): Rāma’s Unshaken Acceptance of Exile and Kaikeyī’s Urgency

Devanagari script

मन्युर्न च त्वया कार्यो देवि ब्रूमि तवाग्रतः।यास्यामि भव सुप्रीता वनं चीरजटाधरः।।2.19.4।।

Transliteration

manyur na ca tvayā kāryo devi brūmi tavāgrataḥ | yāsyāmi bhava suprītā vanaṃ cīra-jaṭā-dharaḥ || 2.19.4 ||

Translation

“O Devi, you must not give way to anger or distress. I declare before you: I will go to the forest, wearing bark-cloth and matted locks. Be at peace.”

Context

O Devi! you should not grieve. I declare in your presence that I shall go to the forest wearing tattered clothes (bark) and matted locks. Rejoice (to hear this).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• forest (vana)
• bark-cloth (cīra)
• matted locks (jaṭā)

FAQs

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

Dharma and satya are upheld through willing acceptance of hardship for a righteous commitment; Rāma prioritizes duty over comfort.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma speaks to his mother, preparing her to accept his imminent departure to the forest and the ascetic signs he will adopt.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and composure: Rāma reassures his mother while firmly committing to the path of duty.