Shloka 2.25.18

कौशल्याया मङ्गलविधानम् — Kausalya’s Benedictions and Protective Rites for Rama

Devanagari script

प्लवगा वृश्चिका दंशामशकाश्चैव कानने।सरीसृपाश्च कीटाश्च मा भूवन्गहने तव।।2.25.18।।

Transliteration

plavagā vṛścikā daṃśā maśakāś caiva kānane |

sarīsṛpāś ca kīṭāś ca mā bhūvan gahane tava || 2.25.18 ||

Translation

In that dense forest, may monkeys, scorpions, gnats and mosquitoes, as well as reptiles and insects, not trouble you.

Context

May monkeys, scorpions, wild gnats, mosquitoes, reptiles and insects in that inaccessible forest not trouble you!

Characters & Entities

• Forest (Kānana/Gahana)
• Monkeys (Plavaga)
• Scorpions (Vṛścika)
• Gnats (Daṃśa)
• Mosquitoes (Maśaka)
• Reptiles (Sarīsṛpa)
• Insects (Kīṭa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is lived amid ordinary discomforts: the verse acknowledges that righteousness in exile includes patiently facing small but constant hardships.

What is the narrative situation?

Beyond supernatural threats, the blessing addresses everyday dangers and irritations of forest life.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Forbearance (kṣamā/titikṣā): the ability to endure minor afflictions without abandoning one’s truthful path.