Shloka 2.33.5

त्रयस्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Civic Lament and Rama’s Dutiful Approach to Daśaratha

Devanagari script

पदातिं वर्जितच्छत्रं रामं दृष्ट्वा जनास्तदा।ऊचुर्बहुविधा वाच श्शोकोपहतचेतसः।।।।

Transliteration

tatpūrvam aikṣvākasuto mahātmā rāmo gamiṣyan vanam ārtarūpam | vyatiṣṭhata prekṣya tadā sumantraṃ pitur mahātmā pratihāraṇārtham ||

Translation

Then, for the first time, the great-souled Rāma, scion of Ikṣvāku, setting out for the forest with a sorrow-marked face, paused on seeing Sumantra, so that his arrival might be conveyed to his father.

Context

Seeing Rama walking without the royal umbrella, people were very much shocked. They expressed their reaction in so many words:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sumantra
• Daśaratha (implied)
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes proper communication and respect for elders: Rāma follows courtly propriety by having his arrival announced before meeting his father.

What is the narrative situation?

On the verge of the forest-exile, Rāma pauses after noticing Sumantra, arranging for Daśaratha to be informed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and discipline—he does not rush in but proceeds according to accepted duty and decorum.