Shloka 2.78.15

अष्टसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Śatrughna’s Fury and Bharata’s Restraint (Mantharā Episode)

Devanagari script

सानुक्रोशां वदान्यां च धर्मज्ञां च यशस्विनीम्।कौसल्यां शरणं याम सा हि नोऽस्तु ध्रुवा गतिः।।।।

Transliteration

sānukrośāṃ vadānyāṃ ca dharmajñāṃ ca yaśasvinīm | kausalyāṃ śaraṇaṃ yāma sā hi no 'stu dhruvā gatiḥ ||

Translation

“Let us seek refuge in Kausalyā—compassionate, generous, knowing dharma, and illustrious—for she alone shall be our steadfast and certain shelter.”

Context

Let us seek refuge under the illustrious Kausalya, who is compassionate, generous, and knower of righteousness. She is our sure saviour.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• sakhījana (companions)
• Śatrughna (contextually)

FAQs

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

Śaraṇāgati under a dharmic protector: when threatened, one seeks refuge with the compassionate and righteous rather than responding with further harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Fearing Śatrughna’s anger, the companions decide to approach Kausalyā, trusting her mercy and moral authority.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s karuṇā (compassion), dānā (generosity), and dharmajñatā (moral discernment).