Shloka 2.20.26

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

Devanagari script

स स्वभावविनीतश्च गौरवाच्च तदा नतः।प्रस्थितो दण्डकारण्यमाप्रष्टुमुपचक्रमे।।।।

Transliteration

sa svabhāvavinītaś ca gauravāc ca tadā nataḥ | prasthito daṇḍakāraṇyam āpraṣṭum upacakrame ||

Translation

Rāma—modest by nature and bowing then out of reverence—began to ask his mother for leave, as he was about to depart for the Daṇḍaka forest.

Context

Modest by nature, Rama with respectful humility began seeking her permission for his departure to Dandaka forest:

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Daṇḍaka forest

FAQs

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

Even under personal calamity, Rama upholds maryādā (proper conduct): he approaches his mother with humility and seeks her consent, honoring familial and social duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama is about to depart for exile to the Daṇḍaka forest and begins to ask Kausalya for permission and blessings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humility/modesty) and mātṛ-bhakti (reverent devotion to one’s mother).