Shloka 2.25.38

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

Thus the beautiful, large-eyed Kausalyā placed upon her son’s head the remaining portions of the offerings and anointed Rāma with fragrant unguents. She also made a protective charm, tying on the auspicious medicinal herb called Viśalyakaraṇī for the fulfillment of his aims, softly repeating sacred mantras.

Context

The largeeyed 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 muttering prayers.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• offerings (śeṣa)
• fragrant unguents (gandha)
• Viśalyakaraṇī (medicinal herb)
• rakṣā (protective amulet/armlet)
• mantras

FAQs

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

Care as dharma: protection of loved ones through legitimate, culturally sanctioned means—prayer, blessing, and responsible preparation.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā completes a sequence of auspicious and protective actions before Rāma’s forest life begins.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Nurturing vigilance—maternal foresight expressed through ritual and medicine.