Shloka 2.95.4

मन्दाकिनीनदीदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Mandākinī at Citrakūṭa)

Devanagari script

नानाविधैस्तीररुहै र्वृतां पुष्पफलद्रुमैः।राजन्तीं राजराजस्य नलिनीमिव सर्वतः।।।।

Transliteration

nānāvidhais tīraruhair vṛtāṃ puṣpaphaladrumaiḥ | rājantīṃ rājarājasya nalinīm iva sarvataḥ ||

Translation

See how it gleams, ringed by many kinds of riverside trees laden with flowers and fruits—everywhere like Kubera’s famed lake Nalinī in its splendor.

Context

See this river sparkling with trees of every kind laden with fruits and flowers growing on its banks. Everywhere it resembles the lake Nalini of Kubera.

Characters & Entities

• Mandākinī
• Kubera (Rājarāja)
• Nalinī (lake)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as contentment and reverence: even while renouncing royal life, Rāma recognizes abundance in nature without possessiveness, aligning joy with simplicity and truthfulness to one’s chosen duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues describing the Mandākinī’s banks and compares its beauty to the celestial lake Nalinī associated with Kubera.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Santoṣa (contentment) and refined perception—Rāma’s ability to find dignity and richness in forest life.