Shloka 2.86.24

लक्ष्मणगुणवर्णनम् — Lakshmana’s Vigil and Guha’s Testimony

Devanagari script

प्रभाते विमले सूर्ये कारयित्वा जटा उभौ।अस्मिन् भागीरथीतीरे सुखं सन्तारितौ मया।।।।

Transliteration

prabhāte vimale sūrye kārayitvā jaṭā ubhau |

asmin bhāgīrathītīre sukhaṃ santāritau mayā ||

Translation

At dawn, when the sun shone clear, I had both of them fashion their jātā—matted locks—on this bank of the Bhāgīrathī, and I ferried them across with ease.

Context

The next morning when the Sun shone bright, both of them matted their hair on the bank of the river Bhagirathi (Ganga) and I ferried them across comfortably.

Characters & Entities

• Bhāgīrathī (Gaṅgā)
• Rāma (implied as one of the two)
• Lakṣmaṇa (implied as the other of the two)

FAQs

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

Dharma is enacted through respectful assistance to those undertaking a vow: Guha supports the exiles’ renunciant discipline and helps them proceed safely.

What is the narrative situation?

Morning arrives; Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa adopt ascetic signs (jaṭā), and Guha arranges their crossing of the Bhāgīrathī.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Guha’s devoted service and reliability—helping the righteous continue their difficult path.