Shloka 2.49.18

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

Devanagari script

स तमध्वानमैक्ष्वाकस्सूतं मधुरया गिरा।तं तमर्थमभिप्रेत्य ययौ वाक्यमुदीरयन्।।।।

Transliteration

nātyartham abhikāṅkṣāmi mṛgayāṁ sarayū-vane | ratir hy eṣā ’tulā loke rājarṣi-gaṇa-sammatā ||

Translation

I do not greatly desire hunting in the forest by the Sarayū; yet this sport is an incomparable delight in the world, approved among the company of royal sages.

Context

The descendant of Ikshvaku related to the charioteer in a sweet voice the thoughts that came to him and went on the way (continued his journey).ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē ēkōnapañcāśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the fortyninth sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sarayū (river)
• forest (vana)
• royal sages (rājarṣi)

FAQs

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

Dharma is moderation: even where a practice is socially sanctioned for kṣatriyas and royal sages, Rama expresses restraint and does not cling to pleasure.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama reflects aloud that hunting is esteemed as a royal pastime, but he personally does not strongly crave it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (dama)—a capacity to acknowledge pleasure without becoming attached to it.