Shloka 2.58.16

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

Devanagari script

सर्वमन्तःपुरं वाच्यं सूत मद्वचनात्त्वया।आरोग्यमविशेषेण यथार्हं चाभिवादनम्।।।।

Transliteration

sūta madvacanāt tasya tātasya viditātmanaḥ |

śirasā vandanīyasya vandyau pādau mahātmanaḥ ||

Translation

“O charioteer, convey from me to my father—noble, self-possessed, and worthy of reverence—that I bow my head to his feet, which are themselves worthy of homage.”

Context

'On my behalf convey, O charioteer, without any distinction, my salutations to all thewomen befitting their status and tell them I was enquiring about their wellbeing.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sūta (charioteer)
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Filial dharma: honoring one’s parents through humility, reverence, and truthful conveyance of respect, even while separated by exile.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma sends a formal message through the charioteer to Daśaratha, expressing reverence and submission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s obedience, humility, and reverence toward his father are emphasized.