Shloka 2.56.22

चित्रकूटगमनम् तथा पर्णशालाप्रवेशः (Arrival at Chitrakuta and Establishing the Leaf-Hut)

Devanagari script

ऐणेयं मांसमाहृत्य शालां यक्ष्यामहे वयम्।कर्तव्यं वास्तुशमनं सौमित्रे चिरजीविभिः।।।।

Transliteration

aiṇeyaṃ māṃsam āhṛtya śālāṃ yakṣyāmahe vayam | kartavyaṃ vāstuśamanaṃ saumitre cirajīvibhiḥ ||

Translation

O Lakṣmaṇa, if we are to dwell here long, we must first propitiate the spirit presiding over this dwelling; therefore we shall bring black-antelope venison and perform the proper offering for this hut.

Context

O Lakshmana! those who intend to live for long (in this hut), should pacify the deity presiding over here. Therefore, we shall bring the venison of a black antelope and make necessary offerings.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitrī)
• śālā (hut)
• kṛṣṇamṛga/black antelope (aiṇeya)
• vāstu (dwelling-spirit/household deity)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as disciplined living: before settling in a place, one follows prescribed duties (ritual propriety and respect for sacred order), rather than acting carelessly.

What is the narrative situation?

In the forest setting, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to arrange an offering connected with the hut they will inhabit, as a rite of pacification for the dwelling.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s conscientiousness and adherence to dharma—he treats even temporary forest life as governed by sacred responsibility.