Shloka 2.36.6

अयोध्याकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s orders for Rama’s escort; Kaikeyi’s fear; the Asamañjasa precedent

Devanagari script

निघ्नन् मृगान् कुञ्जरांश्च पिबंश्चारण्यकं मधु।नदीश्च विविधाः पश्यन्न राज्यस्य स्मरिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

nighnan mṛgān kuñjarāṃś ca pibaṃś cāraṇyakaṃ madhu | nadīś ca vividhāḥ paśyann rājyasya smariṣyati ||

Translation

Slaying antelopes and elephants, drinking honey found in the forest, and beholding many kinds of rivers, he will delight in the wilderness and not even recollect the kingdom.

Context

Hunting the elephants and antelopes, drinking forest honey, beholding several rivers on the way, Rama will not recollect the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• forest (araṇya)
• kingdom (rājya)
• rivers (nadī)

FAQs

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

The verse frames exile as a mode of life where worldly power (rājya) becomes secondary; dharma here is the discipline of detachment and acceptance of one’s ordained path, even when it replaces royal privilege.

What is the narrative situation?

In the lead-up to Rāma’s departure to the forest, Kaikeyī speaks as if the forest will fully occupy Rāma’s mind, making him forget the comforts and claims of kingship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s capacity for renunciation and adaptability—his ability to live according to dharma in hardship without clinging to royal identity.