Shloka 2.39.36

एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः — Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma

Devanagari script

एतावदभिनीतार्थमुक्त्वा स जननीं वचः।त्रयश्शतशतार्धाश्च ददर्शा वेक्ष्य मातरः।।2.39.36।।

Transliteration

etāvad abhinītārtham uktvā sa jananīṃ vacaḥ |

trayaś śataśatārdhāś ca dadarśāvekṣya mātaraḥ ||2.39.36||

Translation

Having spoken to his mother these words—refined in meaning and measured in scope—he then looked toward the other mothers, three hundred and fifty in number.

Context

Speaking thus to his mother with highly polished words, he then turned his gaze at his other three hundred and fifty mothers.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Rāma’s mothers (queens/consorts of Daśaratha)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as impartial respect within the royal family: Rāma does not confine duty to one relationship but extends regard to all maternal figures in the household.

What is the narrative situation?

After consoling Kauśalyā, Rāma turns to address the other queens regarded as his mothers, who are also distressed by the impending exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s courtesy and inclusiveness—he honors all elders and caretakers, not only his birth-mother.