Shloka 2.4.23

अयोध्याकाण्डे चतुर्थः सर्गः — Rāma Summoned; Pushya Coronation Decision

Devanagari script

तस्मात्त्वयाऽद्य प्रभृति निशेयं नियतात्मना।सह वध्वोपवस्तव्या दर्भप्रस्तरशायिना।।2.4.23।।

Transliteration

tasmāt tvayā ’dya prabhṛti niśeyaṃ niyatātmanā | saha vadhvopavastavyā darbhaprastaraśāyinā || 2.4.23 ||

Translation

Therefore, from tonight onward, with self-restraint—together with your wife—you should keep the fast and sleep upon a spread of darbha grass.

Context

Therefore, you and my daughter-in-law (Sita) should fast tonight and sleep on a bed of darbha or kusha grass with self-restraint.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Sītā
• darbha/kuśa grass
• upavāsa (fasting)

FAQs

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

Dharma is supported by self-discipline and ritual purity: leadership is approached through restraint, not indulgence.

What is the narrative situation?

Preparations for the consecration begin; Daśaratha directs Rāma (and Sītā) to observe vows customary before a royal rite.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s (and Sītā’s) tapas-like self-control—readiness to undertake austerity for a public duty.