Shloka 2.25.37

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

Devanagari script

इति पुत्रस्य शेषांश्च कृत्वा शिरसि भामिनी।गन्धैश्चापि समालभ्य राममायतलोचना।।2.25.37।।ओषधीं चापि सिद्धार्थां विशल्यकरणीं शुभाम्।चकार रक्षां कौशल्या मन्त्रैरभिजजाप च।।2.25.38।।

Transliteration

iti putrasya śeṣāṃś ca kṛtvā śirasi bhāminī |

gandhaiś cāpi samālabhya rāmam āyatalocanā ||2.25.37||

oṣadhīṃ cāpi siddhārthāṃ viśalyakaraṇīṃ śubhām |

cakāra rakṣāṃ kauśalyā mantrair abhijajāpa ca ||2.25.38||

Translation

Having spoken thus, the fair lady placed upon her son’s head the remaining sacred substances and anointed Rāma with fragrant unguents. Then Kauśalyā fashioned a protective charm, tying on the auspicious herb Viśalyakaraṇī for the fulfillment of his aims, while softly repeating protective mantras.

Context

The large-eyed Kausalya placed the remains of the offerings on his (Rama's) head and applied sandal cream to his body. She tied an auspicious medicinal herb known as Vishalyakarani to his arm for attainment of his objectives, repeatedly mutteringprayers.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Rāma
• Viśalyakaraṇī (herb)
• Mantra
• Gandha (fragrant unguents/sandal)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes protective care expressed through sanctioned rites: love is shown not by obstructing another’s righteous duty, but by strengthening them—physically, mentally, and spiritually—to fulfill it truthfully.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma prepares to depart, Kauśalyā completes a sequence of protective actions—placing remnants of offerings, anointing him, tying an herb-charm, and reciting mantras.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśalyā’s compassionate steadiness: she channels grief into dharmic support, reinforcing Rāma’s resolve rather than weakening it.