Shloka 2.55.9

चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः — Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing

Devanagari script

स पन्थाश्चित्रकूटस्य गत स्सुबहुशो मया।।।।रम्यो मार्दवयुक्तश्च वनदावैर्विवर्जितः।

Transliteration

sa panthāś citrakūṭasya gataḥ subahuśo mayā | ramyo mārdavayuktaś ca vanadāvair vivarjitaḥ ||

Translation

That is the road to Citrakūṭa—I have traveled it many times. It is pleasant, gentle underfoot, and free from the peril of forest fires.

Context

That path leads to Chitrakuta. I had travelled through it several times. It is beautiful, smooth and safe from forest fires.

Characters & Entities

• Citrakūṭa
• panthā (path)
• vanadāva (forest fire)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes the duty of care through truthful, experience-based guidance—offering reliable information that reduces risk for those undertaking a righteous hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

Guha reassures the exiles about the route to Citrakūṭa, emphasizing its safety and ease based on his repeated travel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness (satya) joined with responsibility—speaking from direct knowledge for others’ welfare.