Shloka 2.20.29

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

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि वत्स्यामि विजने वने।मधुमूलफलैर्जीवन्हित्वा मुनिवदामिषम्।।।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi vatsyāmi vijane vane | madhumūlaphalair jīvan hitvā munivad āmiṣam ||

Translation

For fourteen years I shall dwell in the lonely forest, living on honey, roots, and fruits, and giving up meat—like a sage.

Context

Abstaining from eating meat like hermits and living on honey, fruits and roots, I am to live in the solitary forest for fourteen years.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• forest (vana)
• sage-like life (munivat)

FAQs

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

Self-restraint in service of dharma: Rama accepts hardship and adopts disciplined living, showing that righteous duty may require voluntary austerity.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama specifies the duration and manner of his exile—fourteen years with ascetic diet and conduct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tapas (austerity) and niyama (disciplined restraint).