Shloka 2.95.18

मन्दाकिनीनदीदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Mandākinī at Citrakūṭa)

Devanagari script

इमांहि रम्यां मृगयूथशालिनीं निपीततोयां गजसिंहवानरैः।सुपुष्पितां पुष्पभरैरलङ्कृतां नसोऽस्ति य स्स्यान्न गतक्लम स्सुखी।।।।

Transliteration

upaspṛśaṃs triṣavaṇaṃ madhumūlaphalāśanaḥ | nāyodhyāyai na rājyāya spṛhaye 'dya tvayā saha ||

Translation

Bathing at the three prayer-times and living on honey, roots, and fruits—today, with you beside me, I do not long for Ayodhyā, nor even for kingship.

Context

With this enchanting Mandakini teeming with herds of deer, whose waters are drunk by elephants, lions and monkeys, decorated with heaps of flowers fallen from the trees in full bloom, who will not feel happy and free from fatigue.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Ayodhyā
• rājya (kingship)

FAQs

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

Dharma is non-attachment aligned with truth (satya): Rāma accepts exile faithfully and shows that integrity matters more than power.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma contrasts forest discipline (ritual bathing, simple food) with royal life, affirming that with Sītā he feels no craving for throne or city.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Renunciation and steadfastness—Rāma’s mind remains calm and duty-oriented rather than ambitious.