Shloka 2.20.17

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

Devanagari script

देवकार्यनिमित्तं च तत्रापश्यत्समुद्यतम्।दध्यक्षतं घृतं चैव मोदकान्हविषस्तथा।।।।लाजान्माल्यानि शुक्लानि पायसं कृसरं तथा।समिध: पूर्णकुम्भांश्च ददर्श रघुनन्दनः।।।।

Transliteration

devakāryanimittaṃ ca tatrāpaśyat samudyatam |

dadhyakṣataṃ ghṛtaṃ caiva modakān haviṣas tathā ||

lājān mālyāni śuklāni pāyasaṃ kṛsaraṃ tathā |

samidhaḥ pūrṇakumbhāṃś ca dadarśa raghunandanaḥ ||

Translation

There Rāma saw the preparations set out for sacred rites: curd and akṣata (auspicious grains), clarified butter, sweetmeats, havis-offerings, parched grain, white garlands, pāyasa (rice-porridge) and kṛsara (rice mixed with sesame), along with sacrificial kindling (samidh) and vessels filled with water.

Context

There Rama saw curd, grains of rice, clarified butter, sweetmeats, oblations, parched grain, white garlands, porridge of cooked rice mixed with sesame seeds, sacrirficial faggots, vessels filled with water, etc. kept ready for religious rites.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Raghunandana)
• devakārya (religious rites)
• akṣata
• ghṛta
• modaka
• havis
• lāja
• mālya (white garlands)
• pāyasa
• kṛsara
• samidh
• pūrṇakumbha

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as disciplined reverence—household life upholds righteousness through orderly worship, offerings, and purity of conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma arrives and observes that items required for worship and sacred observances have already been arranged, indicating an ongoing religious setting in the palace quarters.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s attentiveness and respect for dharmic practice—he notices and recognizes the ritual order rather than treating it as mere decoration.