Shloka 2.25.30

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

Devanagari script

मधु दध्यक्षतघृतैः स्वस्तिवाच्यद्विजांस्ततः।वाचयामास रामस्य वनेस्वस्त्ययनक्रियाः।।2.25.30।।

Transliteration

madhu dadhyakṣataghṛtaiḥ svastivācyadvijāṃs tataḥ |

vācayāmāsa rāmasya vane svastyayanakriyāḥ ||2.25.30||

Translation

Then, with honey, curds, grains, and ghee, she had brahmins recite blessings; and she caused protective svastyayana rites to be chanted for Rama for his life in the forest.

Context

Thereafter she made the brahmins pronounce benedictory prayers, offering honey, curd, rice and clarified butter.Then she got mantras (expiatory rites) recited for averting evil to Rama while in the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Dvija (brahmins)
• Svastyayana (protective rite)
• Madhu (honey)
• Dadhi (curds)
• Akṣata (grains/rice)
• Ghṛta (ghee)
• Vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as caring responsibility: elders uphold dharma by arranging lawful, benevolent acts—blessings and protective rites—for those who must face danger while remaining truthful and righteous.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma is bound for forest life, auspicious substances are offered and brahmins are engaged to recite well-being mantras to ward off harm.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maternal solicitude aligned with tradition—compassion acting through dharmic, socially recognized means.