Shloka 1.31.22

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

Devanagari script

अथ रामो महातेजाः विश्वामित्रं महामुनिम्।पप्रच्छ नरशार्दूल: कौतूहलसमन्वित:।।1.31.22।।

Transliteration

bhagavan ko ’nvayaṃ deśaḥ samṛddha-vana-śobhitaḥ | śrotum icchāmi bhadraṃ te vaktum arhasi tattvataḥ || 1.31.23 ||

Translation

O Blessed One, what is the origin and true significance of this land, so fair and adorned with thriving forests? I long to hear it; may auspiciousness be yours—tell me the whole truth in full.

Context

Thereafter highly lustrous Rama, the best among men, filled with curiosity enquired ofthe great sage Viswamitra:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Viśvāmitra
• deśa (the region/land)
• vana (forests)

FAQs

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

Dharma is truth-seeking with reverence: Rāma requests an account ‘tattvataḥ’ (as it truly is) while maintaining respectful address and wishing well-being to the teacher.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma notices the land’s lush forest beauty and asks Viśvāmitra to explain its background and significance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-oriented inquiry and humility—Rāma seeks accurate knowledge without presumption, honoring the sage’s authority.