Shloka 2.58.18

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

Devanagari script

धर्मनित्या यथाकालमग्न्यगारपरा भव।देवि देवस्य पादौ च देववत्परिपालय।।।।

Transliteration

mātā ca mama kausalyā kuśalaṁ cābhivādanam |

apramādaṁ ca vaktavyā brūyāś cainām idaṁ vacaḥ ||

Translation

And to my mother Kauśalyā convey my welfare and my salutations. Tell her also to remain vigilant, and say to her these words.

Context

'O mother, adhering to the righteous path and performing in time the rituals in the chamber of sacrificial fire, offer your services at the feet of king Dasaratha as if he were a god.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sūta (charioteer)
• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsible counsel: Rāma not only offers respect but also advises apramāda (alertness), a moral discipline essential for sustaining righteousness amid crisis.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma sends a specific message to his mother Kauśalyā through the charioteer.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s thoughtful care and dutiful concern for his mother’s conduct and well-being are emphasized.