Shloka 2.20.21

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

Devanagari script

स मातरमभिक्रान्तामुपसंगृह्य राघवः।परिष्वक्तश्च बाहुभ्यामुपाघ्रातश्च मूर्धनि।।।।

Transliteration

sa mātaram abhikrāntām upasaṃgṛhya rāghavaḥ |

pariṣvaktaś ca bāhubhyām upāghrātaś ca mūrdhani ||

Translation

Rāghava respectfully received his mother as she came toward him; she embraced him with both arms and kissed him upon the crown of his head.

Context

The scion of the Raghus saw his mother coming and bowed her. She held him in both her arms and kissed his forehead.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

Respect to parents is dharma: reverent reception and affectionate bonds are shown as proper conduct within maryādā.

What is the narrative situation?

Mother and son meet—Kauśalyā embraces Rāma, and he receives her with respectful demeanor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and filial propriety, matched by Kauśalyā’s nurturing affection.