Shloka 2.53.5

पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation

Devanagari script

स तु संविश्य मेदिन्यां महार्हशयनोचितः।इमाः सौमित्रये रामो व्याजहार कथाः शुभाः।।।।

Transliteration

sa tu saṃviśya medinyāṃ mahārhaśayanocitaḥ | imāḥ saumitraye rāmo vyājahāra kathāḥ śubhāḥ ||

Translation

Though worthy of a costly couch, Rāma lay down upon the earth and spoke these wholesome, auspicious words to Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa).

Context

Rama who deserved a luxurious bed lay down on the ground and uttered these beneficial words to Lakshamana:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• earth/ground (medinī)

FAQs

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

True dharma is not status-dependent: one who is noble accepts austerity without losing moral clarity, and then instructs others for their good.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma settles on the ground for the night and begins speaking to Lakṣmaṇa, setting a reflective tone for their exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and leadership through example—Rāma teaches by first embodying restraint.