Shloka 2.24.8

कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma

Devanagari script

अयं तु मामात्मभव स्तवादर्शनमारुतः।विलापदुःखसमिधो रुदिताश्रुहुताहुतिः।।2.24.6।।चिन्ताबाष्पमहाधूमस्तवागमनचित्तजः। कर्शयित्वा भृशं पुत्र निश्वासायाससम्भवः।।2.24.7।।त्वया विहीनामिह मां शोकाग्निरतुलो महान्।प्रधक्ष्यति यथा कक्षं चित्रभानुर्हिमात्यये।।2.24.8।।

Transliteration

sā ’vanīya tam āyāsam upaspṛśya jalaṃ śuciḥ |

cakāra mātā rāmasya maṅgalāni manasvinī || 2.25.1 ||

Translation

Then that high-minded mother, restraining her anguish and purifying herself by sipping water, performed auspicious rites for Rāma.

Context

After your departure, O son, an incomparably huge fire of grief with sighs of exhaustion will burst from my body, fanned by the wind of your absence and fuelled by lamentation and affliction. My wailing tears will be the oblations. My anxiety will be the great smoke rising vapour. This fire of grief will leave me very much emaciated and burn me like fire burns a forest of dead trees or a bunch of dry grass in summer.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• Jala (water for ācamanam)
• Maṅgala (auspicious rites)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as self-restraint and right action: Kausalyā disciplines grief, observes purity, and performs welfare rites—responding to crisis with constructive, dharmic care.

What is the narrative situation?

At the start of the next chapter, Kausalyā begins formal auspicious observances for Rāma before his departure.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Manas (inner resolve): Kausalyā’s high-minded composure and ability to convert sorrow into protective action.