Shloka 2.37.7

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

Devanagari script

स चीरे पुरुषव्याघ्रः कैकेय्या प्रतिगृह्य ते।सूक्ष्मवस्त्रमवक्षिप्य मुनिवस्त्राण्यवस्त ह।।2.37.7।।

Transliteration

sa cīre puruṣavyāghraḥ kaikeyyā pratigṛhya te | sūkṣmavastram avakṣipya munivastrāṇy avasta ha || 2.37.7 ||

Translation

Rāma, the tiger among men, received those bark garments from Kaikeyī; casting off his fine clothing, he put on the robes of an ascetic.

Context

The tiger among men (Rama) received the bark robes from Kaikeyi and putting off the fine apparel wore the robes of an ascetic.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• bark garments (cīra)
• ascetic robes (muni-vastra)

FAQs

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

Dharma as truthful adherence to a pledged course of action: Rāma accepts the external signs of exile without resistance, embodying integrity and self-restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

At court, immediately before departing for forest-exile, Rāma receives bark garments and changes from royal attire into ascetic clothing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tyāga and steadiness (dhṛti): he relinquishes comfort and status calmly, signaling inner discipline.