Shloka 2.19.14

एकोनपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 49): Rāma’s Night Journey Beyond Kosala and the Charioteer Address

Devanagari script

सूत इत्येव चाभाष्य सारथिं तमभीक्ष्णशः।हंसमत्तस्वरश्श्रीमानुवाच पुरुषर्षभः।।।।

Transliteration

rāmo 'pi rātriśeṣeṇa tenaiva mahad antaram |

jagāma puruṣavyāghraḥ pitur ājñām anusmaran ||2.49.1||

Translation

Rāma too—tiger among men—traveled a great distance in the remaining hours of the night, continually keeping his father’s command in mind.

Context

Graceful Rama, best among men with a voice resembling that of an intoxicated swan, called the charioteer again and again and said:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• father’s command (Daśaratha implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is fidelity to one’s pledged duty and to a parent’s word: Rāma’s steady remembrance of his father’s command reflects satya and disciplined righteousness even under injustice.

What is the narrative situation?

After leaving Ayodhyā, Rāma continues traveling through the night as part of his exile journey.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness in truth and obedience—he does not waver from the command that sends him to hardship.