Shloka 1.2.4

द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः (The Manifestation of the Śloka)

Devanagari script

स तु तीरं समासाद्य तमसाया महामुनि: ।शिष्यमाह स्थितं पार्श्वे दृष्ट्वा तीर्थमकर्दमम् ।।1.2.4।।

Transliteration

sa tu tīraṁ samāsādya tamasāyā mahāmuniḥ |

śiṣyam āha sthitaṁ pārśve dṛṣṭvā tīrtham akardamam ||1.2.4||

Translation

Having reached the bank of the Tamasā, the great sage, seeing a clear and mudless bathing-place, spoke to the disciple standing beside him.

Context

The eminent sage Valmiki reached the bank of Tamasa and seen a descent into the river with pellucid waters, spoke to the disciple standing by the side.

Characters & Entities

• Vālmīki
• Tamasā (river)
• tīrtha (bathing-place/ford)
• disciple (Bharadvāja, implied by continuation)

FAQs

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

Dharma is linked with purity and disciplined living: the sage seeks a clean tīrtha for bathing, reflecting inner and outer cleanliness as supportive of righteous life.

What is the narrative situation?

Vālmīki arrives at the river Tamasā, notices an ideal bathing spot, and begins instructing his disciple beside him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mindful discernment (viveka): Vālmīki observes the environment carefully and chooses what is pure and fitting for a sage’s conduct.