Shloka 1.24.12

गङ्गा–सरयू-सङ्गमः, मलद–करूश-देशकथा, ताटकावनप्रवेशोपदेशः (The Confluence of Gaṅgā and Sarayū; the Tale of Malada–Karūśa; Counsel on Tātakā’s Forest)

Devanagari script

स वनं घोरसङ्काशं दृष्ट्वा नृपवरात्मज:।अविप्रहतमैक्ष्वाक: पप्रच्छ मुनिपुङ्गवम्।।1.24.12।।

Transliteration

sa vanaṃ ghora-saṅkāśaṃ dṛṣṭvā nṛpavarātmajaḥ | aviprahatam aikṣvākaḥ papraccha muni-puṅgavam || 1.24.12 ||

Translation

Seeing that forest, grim in appearance and seemingly untrodden, the Ikṣvāku prince—the son of the best of kings—questioned the foremost of sages.

Context

He who was a descendent of Ikshvaku and son of the best of kings, (Dasaratha) having seen that untrodden and dreadful forest asked the foremost of the ascetics:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Ikṣvāku prince)
• Daśaratha (implied: best of kings)
• Viśvāmitra (implied: foremost sage being addressed)
• forest (unnamed here)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes humble inquiry: when faced with the unknown, Rāma seeks understanding from a qualified teacher rather than acting on fear or assumption.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma encounters a terrifying, seemingly untouched forest and asks the great sage (Viśvāmitra) about it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful curiosity and teachability—qualities of an ideal disciple and responsible leader.