Shloka 2.20.25

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

Devanagari script

दत्तमासनमालभ्य भोजनेन निमन्त्रितः।मातरं राघवः किञ्चिद्व्रीडात्प्रसार्याञ्जलिमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

dattam āsanam ālabhya bhojanena nimantritaḥ |

mātaraṃ rāghavaḥ kiṃcid vrīḍāt prasāryāñjalim abravīt ||

Translation

Invited by his mother to partake of food, Rāghava merely touched the seat that was offered; then, with slight bashfulness, he extended his folded hands and spoke to her.

Context

Invited (by Kausalya) to partake the food, Rama out of abashment only touched the seat provided to him and having stretched his folded palms spoke to his mother.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Kauśalyā
• āsana (seat)
• bhojana (meal)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes humble conduct: even in intimate family settings, respect, restraint, and proper etiquette are upheld.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā invites Rāma to eat; Rāma responds with restrained politeness, touching the seat and addressing her with folded hands.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s modesty and reverence—self-control in speech and gesture, reflecting disciplined character.