Shloka 1.3.16

तृतीयः सर्गः (Bālakāṇḍa 3): Vālmīki’s Yogic Verification and the Epic Synopsis

Devanagari script

वास्तुकर्म निवेशं च भरतागमनं तथा ।प्रसादनं च रामस्य पितुश्च सलिलक्रियाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

vāstukarma niveśaṃ ca bharatāgamanaṃ tathā |

prasādanaṃ ca rāmasya pituś ca salilakriyām ||

Translation

He told of building and settling in a forest dwelling, Bharata’s arrival, Bharata’s efforts to bring Rāma back, and Rāma’s performance of the water-rites for his father.

Context

(He described) the making of, and dwelling in, a hut, the arrival of Bharata, Bharata's persuasion to Rama (to return to the kingdom), and Rama's performance the funeral ablution for his father.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• Daśaratha (as father, implied)
• funerary water rites (salila-kriyā)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as unwavering duty: even in exile, Rāma fulfills filial obligations and honors ritual responsibility toward his deceased father.

What is the narrative situation?

In the forest settlement, Bharata comes to persuade Rāma to return; alongside this, rites for Daśaratha are performed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s constancy and Bharata’s loyalty—both act from duty, not personal ambition.