Shloka 2.20.16

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

Devanagari script

प्रविश्य च तदा रामो मातुरन्त:पुरं शुभम्।ददर्श मातरं तत्र हावयन्तीं हुताशनम्।।।।

Transliteration

praviśya ca tadā rāmo mātur antaḥpuraṃ śubham | dadarśa mātaraṃ tatra hāvayantīṃ hutāśanam || 2.20.16 ||

Translation

Then Rāma entered his mother’s auspicious inner apartments and saw her there, directing the offering of oblations into Hutāśana (Agni).

Context

Rama entered the auspicious inner apartment of his mother and saw her exhorting the priests to offer sacrificial oblations to Agni (fire-god).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Agni (Hutāśana)
• antaḥpura (inner apartments)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as continuity of sacred duty within family life: ritual worship and reverent household order frame the mother–son encounter.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reaches Kauśalyā’s quarters and finds her in the midst of fire-worship, overseeing the oblations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśalyā’s piety and careful performance of rites, and Rāma’s respectful approach to his mother’s sacred space.