Shloka 2.26.13

अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः — Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct

Devanagari script

न ते क्षौद्रं च दधि च ब्राह्मणा वेदपारगाः।मूर्ध्नि मूर्धाभिषिक्तस्य ददति स्म विधानतः।।।।

Transliteration

na te kṣaudraṃ ca dadhi ca brāhmaṇā vedapāragāḥ | mūrdhni mūrdhābhiṣiktasya dadati sma vidhānataḥ ||

Translation

Why have the Brahmins, learned in the Vedas, not—according to the prescribed rite—sprinkled upon your head, the head of the consecrated one, the customary mixture of honey and curd?

Context

How is it that brahmins versed in the Vedas have not duly sprinkled the mixture of honey and curd on your head (prior to your consecration)?

Characters & Entities

• Brahmins (brāhmaṇāḥ)
• Vedas (veda)
• consecration/anointing (abhiṣeka implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as fidelity to prescribed social-religious order: royal consecration is not merely political but a sanctified rite, and its absence signals a rupture in rightful procedure.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā observes that the usual signs of Rāma’s imminent coronation are missing and questions him about the disrupted preparations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s attentiveness and discernment: she recognizes dharmic/ritual markers of kingship and perceives that something is wrong.