Shloka 1.2.6

द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः (The Manifestation of the Śloka)

Devanagari script

न्यस्यतां कलशस्तात दीयतां वल्कलं मम ।इदमेवावगाहिष्ये तमसातीर्थमुत्तमम् ।।1.2.6।।

Transliteration

nyasyatāṁ kalaśas tāta dīyatāṁ valkalaṁ mama |

idam evāvagāhiṣye tamasātīrtham uttamam || 1.2.6 ||

Translation

“Dear one, set down the water-pot and give me my bark garment. Right here I shall bathe at this most excellent ford of the Tamasā.”

Context

O dear one! Put down the pitcher on the ground. Give me my garment. I shall take a dip in Tamasa, the holiest of places".

Characters & Entities

• Vālmīki
• Tamasā river
• Tīrtha
• Kalaśa (water-pot)
• Valkala (bark garment)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as disciplined purity and right practice: the sage’s orderly preparation for a tīrtha-bath reflects inner and outer cleanliness that supports truthful, sattvic living.

What is the narrative situation?

Vālmīki, arriving at the Tamasā river with his attendant, instructs him to set down the water-pot and hand over the bark garment so he may bathe.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sage-like discipline and simplicity—calm adherence to daily righteous practice (ācāra) as a foundation for higher insight.