Shloka 2.20.12

अयोध्याकाण्डे विंशः सर्गः — Rama Enters Kauśalyā’s Antaḥpura; Ritual Preparations and the Shock of Exile

Devanagari script

प्रणम्य रामस्तान्विप्रांस्तृतीयायां ददर्श सः।स्त्रियो वृद्धास्तथा बाला द्वाररक्षणतत्पराः।।।।

Transliteration

praṇamya rāmas tān viprāṃs tṛtīyāyāṃ dadarśa saḥ | striyo vṛddhās tathā bālā dvāra-rakṣaṇa-tatparāḥ || 2.20.12 ||

Translation

Having bowed to those brahmins, Rāma then saw, in the third courtyard, women—both elderly and young—intent on guarding the doorway.

Context

Rama wished the brahmins and saw old men, women and children vigilantly guarding the door in the third courtyard.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• brahmins (vipra)
• women guards
• third courtyard (kakṣyā)
• doorway (dvāra)

FAQs

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

Dharma is practiced through respect (praṇāma) to the worthy and through disciplined duty (guarding), showing social order and responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma proceeds inward, first honoring the brahmins, then encountering vigilant attendants guarding access in the next enclosure.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and courtesy, and the attendants’ steadfastness in assigned duty.