Shloka 2.52.14

गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)

Devanagari script

निवर्तस्वेत्युवाचैव ह्येतावद्धि कृतं मम।रथं विहाय पद्भ्यां तु गमिष्यामि महावनम्।।2.52.14।।

Transliteration

tau tatra hatvā caturo mahāmṛgān varāham ṛśyaṃ pṛṣataṃ mahārurum | ādāya medhyaṃ tvaritaṃ bubhukṣitau vāsāya kāle yayatur vanaspatim ||

Translation

There, being hungry, the two killed four great beasts—a boar, an ṛśya-antelope, a spotted deer, and a great ruru deer. Taking the pure meat quickly, they went by evening to a tree for their night’s lodging.

Context

You have done enough. I shall now leave the chariot and walk into the great forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Boar (varāha)
• Ṛśya (antelope)
• Spotted deer (pṛṣata)
• Ruru deer (mahāruru)
• Tree (vanaspati)

FAQs

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

A disciplined life in hardship: dharma in exile includes living simply, taking only what is needed, and maintaining purity/fitness (medhya) even in subsistence.

What is the narrative situation?

During their forest travel, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa procure food and find a place to rest for the night.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance and self-regulation: they adapt to forest conditions without complaint, keeping their journey steady and ordered.