Shloka 2.24.28

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

अग्निकार्येषु च सदा सुमनोभिश्च देवताः।पूज्यास्ते मत्कृते देवि बाह्मणाश्चैव सुव्रताः।।2.24.28।।

Transliteration

śuśrūṣām eva kurvīta bhartuḥ priyahite ratā |

eṣa dharmaḥ purā dṛṣṭo loke vede śrutaḥ smṛtaḥ || 2.24.27 ||

Translation

Let her render service alone, devoted to what is pleasing and beneficial to her husband. This is dharma—seen in the world from ancient times, heard in the Veda, and affirmed in the Smṛtis.

Context

For my sake, O devi! worship the fire-god with offerings of oblations and flowers, and brahmins who are true to religious vows.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Veda
• Smṛti
• dharma

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as socially and scripturally validated duty: steadfast, benevolent service within one’s role, aligned with what supports the household’s moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma prepares to depart for exile, he instructs his mother on proper conduct and religious-ethical stability during his absence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s maryādā (normative righteousness): he anchors advice in tradition (loka), revelation (Veda), and remembered law (Smṛti).