Shloka 2.24.17

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

इमानि तु महारण्ये विहृत्य नव पञ्च च।वर्षाणि परमप्रीतः स्थास्यामि वचने तव।।2.24.17।।

Transliteration

imāni tu mahāraṇye vihṛtya nava pañca ca | varṣāṇi parama-prītaḥ sthāsyāmi vacane tava ||

Translation

Roaming in the great forest for these fourteen years, I shall remain—most gladly—steadfast in obedience to your word.

Context

Roaming the wild forest for fourteen years I shall abide by your words with supreme pleasure.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Mahāraṇya (great forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is joyful adherence to rightful duty: Rāma frames exile not as mere suffering but as a willed commitment to truth and obedience.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma declares his readiness to spend fourteen years in the forest, emphasizing voluntary, even glad compliance with the command.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfast vow-keeping (satya-niṣṭhā) and inner equanimity—he accepts hardship without resentment.