Shloka 2.20.18

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

Devanagari script

देवकार्यनिमित्तं च तत्रापश्यत्समुद्यतम्।दध्यक्षतं घृतं चैव मोदकान्हविषस्तथा।।2.20.17।।लाजान्माल्यानि शुक्लानि पायसं कृसरं तथा।समिध: पूर्णकुम्भांश्च ददर्श रघुनन्दनः।।2.20.18।।

Transliteration

devakāryanimittaṃ ca tatrāpaśyat samudyatam |

dadhyakṣataṃ ghṛtaṃ caiva modakān haviṣas tathā ||

lājān mālyāni śuklāni pāyasaṃ kṛsaraṃ tathā |

samidhaḥ pūrṇakumbhāṃś ca dadarśa raghunandanaḥ ||

Translation

There he saw all made ready for the divine rite: curds and consecrated rice, ghee, modakas and sacrificial offerings; parched grains, white garlands, payasa and krisara; ritual kindling (samidh) and jars filled to the brim with sacred water—thus did Rāma, joy of the Raghu line, behold them.

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 maintained through faithful performance of sacred duties—ritual readiness symbolizes steadiness in righteous living.

What is the narrative situation?

The text reiterates the inventory of items prepared for worship, emphasizing the solemn religious atmosphere surrounding the household.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The household’s dharmic discipline (especially the queen’s devotional regimen) is highlighted through the completeness of preparations.