Shloka 2.20.31

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

Devanagari script

स षट्चाष्टौ च वर्षाणि वत्स्यामि विजने वने।आसेवमानो वन्यानि फलमूलैश्च वर्तयन्।।।।

Transliteration

sa ṣaṭ cāṣṭau ca varṣāṇi vatsyāmi vijane vane | āsevamāno vanyāni phalamūlaiś ca vartayan ||

Translation

Thus for fourteen years I shall dwell in the desolate forest, sustaining myself on forest fare—fruits and roots—partaking only of what the wilderness provides.

Context

Living on things available in the forest, on fruits and roots, I am to dwell in the uninhabited jungle for fourteen years.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• forest (vana)
• forest produce (vanyāni)

FAQs

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

Steadfast commitment to a vowed path: Rama frames exile as a disciplined life sustained by minimal means, showing dharma as lived practice rather than mere declaration.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama repeats the duration (fourteen years) and the practical regimen of subsistence in the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dhṛti (fortitude) and simplicity.