Shloka 2.95.3

मन्दाकिनीनदीदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Mandākinī at Citrakūṭa)

Devanagari script

विचित्रपुलिनां रम्यां हंससारससेविताम्।कमलैरुपसम्पन्नां पश्य मन्दाकिनीं नदीम्।।।।

Transliteration

vicitrapulināṃ ramyāṃ haṃsasārasasevitām | kamalair upasampannāṃ paśya mandākinīṃ nadīm ||

Translation

Behold, beloved, the enchanting river Mandākinī—her sandbanks wondrously varied, visited by geese and sārasas, and richly adorned with lotuses.

Context

Look at this enchanting river Mandakini with its variegated sandbanks frequented by geese and swans and adorned with lotuses.

Characters & Entities

• Mandākinī
• haṃsa (geese)
• sārasa (cranes)
• kamala (lotus)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as steadiness and right-heartedness in exile: Rāma comforts Sītā by directing her mind to what is pure and uplifting, showing that righteous living includes caring for another’s well-being even amid hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

During forest life near Citrakūṭa, Rāma points out the Mandākinī to Sītā, describing its beauty and serenity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion and attentiveness—he actively supports Sītā’s emotional strength by sharing wonder and peace in the wilderness.