Shloka 2.37.13

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

कृत्वा कण्ठे च सा चीरमेकमादाय पाणिना।तस्थौ ह्यकुशला तत्र व्रीडिता जनकात्मजा।।2.37.13।।

Transliteration

tyaktabhogasya me rājan vane vanyena jīvataḥ | kiṁ kāryam anuyātreṇa tyaktasaṅgasya sarvataḥ || 2.37.2 ||

Translation

O King, when I have renounced pleasures and cast off all attachments on every side, and am to live in the forest on what the wild provides, what need have I of any retinue following me?

Context

The daughter of Janaka, placed one end of the garment round her neck and held the other in her hand, and stood ashamed as she did not know what to do next.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Dasharatha
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as disciplined renunciation: when one accepts a vow-bound path (forest-life), one should also give up the comforts and social display that contradict it.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama, preparing for exile, addresses Dasharatha and argues that a forest-dweller who has renounced worldly life has no need of attendants or royal following.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vairāgya (detachment) and steadiness in dharma—Rama’s willingness to live simply and consistently with his chosen/accepted duty.