Shloka 2.49.2

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

Devanagari script

तथैव गच्छतस्तस्य व्यपायाद्रजनी शिवा।उपास्य शिवां सन्ध्यां विषयान्तं व्यगाहत।।।।

Transliteration

rājarṣīṇāṁ hi loke ’smin ratyarthaṁ mṛgayā vane | kāle kṛtāṁ tāṁ manujair dhanvinām abhikāṅkṣitām ||

Translation

For in this world, royal sages undertake hunting in the forest for pleasure at proper times; it is a pursuit desired by bowmen and later adopted by other men as well.

Context

While Rama was thus travelling, the auspicious night ended. With the sandhya (morning twilight), worship over, he reached the frontiers of the country.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• royal sages (rājarṣi)
• archers (dhanvin)
• forest (vana)
• hunting (mṛgayā)

FAQs

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

Dharma is contextual propriety: actions are judged by role and timing (kāla). Rama highlights that even sanctioned royal practices are meant to be regulated, not indiscriminate.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama explains the cultural background of hunting as a regulated royal sport, valued by archers and imitated by others.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka)—Rama distinguishes between tradition, proper timing, and personal desire.