Shloka 2.46.17

तमसातीरवासः — Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens

Devanagari script

गोकुलाकुलतीरायास्तमसाया विदूरतः।अवसत्तत्र तां रात्रिं रामः प्रकृतिभिस्सह।।2.46.17।।

Transliteration

gokulākula-tīrāyās tamasāyā vidūrataḥ | avasat tatra tāṁ rātriṁ rāmaḥ prakṛtibhiḥ saha ||2.46.17||

Translation

Not far from the Tamasa’s bank, crowded with herds of cattle, Rama spent that night there together with his people.

Context

Rama spent the night with his subjects not very far from the bank of Tamasa which was crowded with herds of cattle.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Tamasa (river)
• prakriti (subjects/people)
• gokula (herds/cattle)

FAQs

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

Dharma of leadership and mutual loyalty: even in exile, Rama remains bound to his people, and they remain bound to him—highlighting the ethical ties between ruler and subjects.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama halts for the night near the Tamasa; many followers (subjects) remain with him nearby.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate kingship: Rama’s continued closeness to his people despite personal loss.