Shloka 1.31.3

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

Devanagari script

अभिवाद्य मुनिश्रेष्ठं ज्वलन्तमिव पावकम्।ऊचतुर्मधुरोदारं वाक्यं मधुरभाषिणौ।।1.31.3।।

Transliteration

abhivādya muniśreṣṭhaṃ jvalantam iva pāvakam | ūcatur madhur-odāraṃ vākyaṃ madhura-bhāṣiṇau || 1.31.3 ||

Translation

Having saluted the foremost sage, blazing like fire, the two sweet-spoken brothers addressed him with words gentle and noble.

Context

Sweet-tongued, they visited with folded hands the best of ascetics Viswamitra who was shining like a flaming fire and addressed him thus in sweet and generous words:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Viśvāmitra (muniśreṣṭha, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is right speech joined to reverence: the brothers honor the sage first and then speak in a measured, noble manner—truth and courtesy upheld together.

What is the narrative situation?

After approaching Viśvāmitra, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa salute him and begin speaking to him respectfully.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mārdava (gentleness) and maryādā (propriety): their sweet, dignified speech reflects inner discipline and respect for spiritual authority.