Shloka 1.26.3

ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)

Devanagari script

अनुशिष्टोऽस्म्ययोध्यायां गुरुमध्ये महात्मना।पित्रा दशरथेनाहं नावज्ञेयं हि तद्वच:।।1.26.3।।

Transliteration

anuśiṣṭo ’smy ayodhyāyāṃ gurumadhye mahātmanā | pitrā daśarathenāhaṃ nāvajñeyaṃ hi tad vacaḥ ||

Translation

In Ayodhyā, in the presence of elders and teachers, I was instructed by my great-souled father Daśaratha; truly, his word must not be disregarded.

Context

In Ayodhya in the presence of elders and spiritual masters (of Dasaratha's court), I have been ordered by my magnanimous father to act according to your instructions and his words cannot be disobeyed.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ayodhyā
• Daśaratha
• gurus/elders (guru-madhye)
• Viśvāmitra (contextual recipient)

FAQs

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

Filial and royal dharma: a son—especially a prince—treats the father’s command as binding when given rightly in the presence of elders and teachers.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains to Viśvāmitra that he has been formally commissioned by Daśaratha and therefore must follow the sage’s instructions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya and obedience—faithfulness to a pledged duty and reverence for legitimate authority.