Shloka 2.24.26

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

भर्तु श्शुश्रूषया नारी लभते स्वर्गमुत्तमम्।अपि या निर्नमस्कारा निवृत्ता देवपूजनात्।।2.24.26।।

Transliteration

bhartuḥ śuśrūṣayā nārī labhate svargam uttamam | api yā nir-namaskārā nivṛttā deva-pūjanāt || 2.24.26 ||

Translation

By devoted service to her husband, a woman attains the highest heaven—even if she offers no salutations and has abstained from worship of the gods.

Context

A woman who serves her husband will attain the highest heaven even if she pays no homage to gods and abstains from worshipping them.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Devas (gods, generic)
• Husband (Daśaratha as contextual referent)

FAQs

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

It elevates relational duty as a direct spiritual path: faithful service within one’s rightful sphere is presented as dharma-bearing and merit-yielding, even surpassing external ritual.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues instructing Kauśalyā that her proper dharma is to remain and serve Daśaratha, rather than accompany Rāma into exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue emphasized is steadfast fidelity and service (śuśrūṣā) as an expression of dharma in domestic life.