Shloka 2.20.28

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

Devanagari script

गमिष्ये दण्डकारण्यं किमनेनासनेन मे।विष्टरासनयोग्यो हि कालोऽयं मामुपस्थितः।।।।

Transliteration

gamiṣye daṇḍakāraṇyaṃ kim anenāsanena me | viṣṭarāsanayogyo hi kālo 'yaṃ mām upasthitaḥ ||

Translation

I shall go to the Daṇḍaka forest. What use is this seat to me now? For a time has come upon me when I am fit only for a kuśa-grass mat.

Context

I am setting forth to Dandaka forest. What is this seat for? A time has come for me when I am fit for a seat of kusa grass.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Daṇḍaka forest
• kuśa grass mat (viṣṭara)

FAQs

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

Acceptance of duty with renunciation: Rama aligns his outer life (simple ascetic living) with the inner commitment to uphold dharma, without clinging to royal comfort.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama states plainly that he is leaving for the forest and symbolically rejects palace comfort, embracing ascetic simplicity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vairāgya (detachment) and steadiness in adversity.