Shloka 2.20.14

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

Devanagari script

कौशल्यापि तदा देवी रात्रिं स्थित्वा समाहिता।प्रभाते त्वकरोत्पूजां विष्णोः पुत्रहितैषिणी।।।।

Transliteration

kauśalyāpi tadā devī rātriṃ sthitvā samāhitā | prabhāte tv akarot pūjāṃ viṣṇoḥ putra-hitaiṣiṇī || 2.20.14 ||

Translation

Kauśalyā too, the queen, having spent the night composed in mind, performed worship of Viṣṇu at dawn, seeking her son’s welfare.

Context

Having spent the night with a composed mind (abosorbed in meditation), Kausalya was worshipping lord Visnu in the early morning to secure her son's welfare.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Viṣṇu
• Rāma (as ‘son’ implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes devotional responsibility: a mother’s righteous care is expressed through prayer and disciplined worship for her child’s well-being.

What is the narrative situation?

Before meeting Rāma, Kauśalyā spends the night in composed contemplation and offers morning worship to Viṣṇu.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maternal devotion and spiritual steadiness—care grounded in prayer, restraint, and auspicious practice.