Shloka 2.45.25

अयोध्यावासिजनानुरागः — The People and Brahmins Follow Rama toward Exile

Devanagari script

हृदयेष्वेव तिष्ठन्ति वेदा ये नः परं धनम्।वत्स्यन्त्यपि गृहेष्वेव दाराश्चारित्ररक्षिताः।।।।

Transliteration

hṛdayeṣv eva tiṣṭhanti vedā ye naḥ paraṁ dhanam | vatsyanty api gṛheṣv eva dārāś cāritrarakṣitāḥ ||

Translation

The Vedas—our highest treasure—remain established in our hearts; and our wives, guarded by fidelity, will stay at home.

Context

The Vedas are our greatest wealth and they reside in our hearts. Our wives, protected by their fidelity, shall stay at home.

Characters & Entities

• Vedas
• Rama
• home (gṛha)

FAQs

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

True wealth is inner, not external: dharma is preserved through internalized sacred knowledge and through fidelity and ethical conduct within the household.

What is the narrative situation?

The Brahmins reassure Rama that even if they accompany him, their sacred capital (Vedas) is secure in memory and their households will remain protected by virtue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity and continence (cāritra): moral self-guarding that sustains social and spiritual order even in crisis.