Shloka 2.32.17

द्वात्रिंशस्सर्गः — Gifts to Suyajna and the Brahmins; Trijata’s Petition and Rama’s Charity

Devanagari script

सूतश्चित्ररथश्चार्य सचिवस्सुचिरोषितः।तोषयैनं महार्हैश्च रत्नैर्वस्त्रैर्धनैस्तथा।।।।पशुकाभिश्च सर्वाभिर्गवां दशशतेन च।

Transliteration

sūtaś citrarathaś cārya sacivaḥ sucirōṣitaḥ |

toṣaya enaṃ mahārhaiś ca ratnair vastrair dhanais tathā ||

paśukābhiś ca sarvābhir gavāṃ daśaśatena ca ||

Translation

And Citra­ratha, the charioteer—an honorable counselor who has long dwelt in our service—gratify him with priceless jewels, garments, and wealth, and with all kinds of livestock, including a thousand cows.

Context

Noble counsellor (of our father) and charioteer Chitraratha has been in our service for many years. Gratify him with invaluable jewels, clothes, wealth, with young female calves and a thousand cows.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Citraratha (charioteer)
• jewels
• garments
• wealth
• livestock
• cows

FAQs

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

Kṛtajñatā (gratitude): dharma includes honoring long-serving aides and counselors, not only priests and sages.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to reward Citraratha, a trusted charioteer-counselor, with substantial gifts for his long service.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty-recognition: Rāma acknowledges faithful service and ensures it is repaid with dignity.