Shloka 2.20.23

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

Devanagari script

वृद्धानां धर्मशीलानां राजर्षीणां महात्मनाम्।प्राप्नुह्यायुश्च कीर्तिं च धर्मं चोपहितं कुले।।।।

Transliteration

vṛddhānāṃ dharmaśīlānāṃ rājarṣīṇāṃ mahātmanām |

prāpnuhy āyuś ca kīrtiṃ ca dharmaṃ copahitaṃ kule ||

Translation

May you attain long life and renown like the aged, virtuous, great royal sages—and may you uphold the dharma long established in your lineage.

Context

May you attain long life and fame like those of the aged, virtuous and great rajarsis who upheld the righteousness in the race.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Rāma
• rājarṣi (royal sages)
• kula (Raghu lineage, implied)

FAQs

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

Lineage-dharma is emphasized: one should preserve the inherited standard of righteousness set by exemplary elders and sages.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā blesses Rāma, invoking models of ancient royal sages and the tradition of dharma in their family.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as heir to a moral tradition—worthiness measured by continuity of dharma, not merely power.