Shloka 1.31.16

सिद्धाश्रमात् शोणातटं प्रस्थानम् — Departure from Siddhāśrama and the Invitation to Janaka’s Yajña (Bow of Mithilā)

Devanagari script

प्रदक्षिणं तत: कृत्वा सिद्धाश्रममनुत्तमम्।उत्तरां दिशमुद्दिश्य प्रस्थातुमुपचक्रमे।।1.31.16।।

Transliteration

pradakṣiṇaṃ tataḥ kṛtvā siddhāśramam anuttamam | uttarāṃ diśam uddiśya prasthātum upacakrame || 1.31.16 ||

Translation

Thereafter, having circumambulated the unsurpassed Siddhāśrama in reverence, they began their journey, setting their course toward the northern direction.

Context

Thereafter, circumambulating the supreme Siddhasrama with reverence, they (Viswamitra and the princes) commenced their journey in the northern direction.

Characters & Entities

• Siddhāśrama
• Viśvāmitra (implied as leader of the group)
• Rāma (implied)
• Lakṣmaṇa (implied)
• Northern direction (uttarā diś)

FAQs

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

Reverence for sacred spaces: circumambulation before departure reflects dharma through humility, gratitude, and truthfulness toward what is revered.

What is the narrative situation?

Before leaving Siddhāśrama, the party performs pradakṣiṇā and then proceeds northward toward the next stage of the journey.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful discipline: action is framed by ritual propriety—beginning and ending endeavors with reverence.