Shloka 2.58.13

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

इति सूतो नरेन्द्रेण बोधित स्सज्जमानया।उवाच वाचा राजानं स बाष्पपरिबद्धया।।।।

Transliteration

āsitaṁ śayitaṁ bhuktaṁ sūta rāmasya kīrtaya |

jīviṣyāmy aham etena yayātir iva sādhuṣu ||

Translation

Tell me, O charioteer, where Rāma sat, where he slept, and what he ate. By hearing this I shall go on living—like Yayāti sustained in the company of the righteous.

Context

Thus questioned by the king the charioteer, his voice choked with tears and words faltering in grief, addressed the king:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sūta (charioteer)
• Rāma
• Yayāti

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as truthful reporting and faithful remembrance: Daśaratha seeks precise, honest details about Rāma, showing that truth (satya) and attentive listening can sustain one in suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, tormented by separation from Rāma, asks the charioteer to recount Rāma’s basic daily circumstances—seat, bed, and food.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s deep parental devotion and reverent concern for Rāma’s welfare are emphasized, even in the smallest details.