Shloka 2.20.9

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

Devanagari script

सोऽपश्यत्पुरुषं तत्र वृद्धं परमपूजितम्।उपविष्टं गृहद्वारि तिष्ठतश्चापरान्बहून्।।।।

Transliteration

so 'paśyat puruṣaṃ tatra vṛddhaṃ paramapūjitam |

upaviṣṭaṃ gṛhadvāri tiṣṭhataś cāparān bahūn ||

Translation

There he saw an aged man, greatly venerable, seated at the doorway of the residence, and many others standing nearby.

Context

Rama beheld a highly venerable elderly man seated at the entrance of the residence and many others standing (near-by).

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• An aged venerable man (unnamed in this snippet)
• Residence doorway (gṛhadvāra)

FAQs

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

The verse supports dharma through social order and reverence: elders and respected persons are acknowledged in liminal spaces (doorways), reflecting norms of respect and proper conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rama approaches the inner residence, he encounters a revered elder seated at the entrance with many attendants/others standing around.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for elders and awareness of decorum—Rama is shown moving through spaces where honor and protocol matter.