Shloka 6.21.20

सागरप्रतीक्षा-क्रोधप्रादुर्भावः (Rama’s Vigil at the Ocean and the Rise of Wrath)

Devanagari script

क्षमयाहिसमायुक्तंमामयंमकरालयः ।असमर्थंविजानातिधिक् क्षमामीदृशेजने ।।6.21.20।।

Transliteration

kṣamayā hi samāyuktaṃ mām ayaṃ makarālayaḥ |

asamarthaṃ vijānāti dhik kṣamām īdṛśe jane ||6.21.20||

Translation

“Because I have remained forbearing, this ocean—home of the makaras—takes me to be powerless. Shame on such forbearance, when it is mistaken by such a one as weakness!”

Context

"By my being tolerant, this ocean treats me to be incapable. Endowed with such qualities of forbearance, I will show the people (ocean)."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sāgara (Ocean)
• Makara (sea-creature)

FAQs

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

Kṣamā (forbearance) is a virtue, but Dharma also requires discernment: patience must not enable adharma or obstruct a righteous mission.

What is the narrative situation?

After waiting for the Ocean to grant passage, Rāma interprets the Ocean’s silence as disregard and prepares to compel a response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity with firmness—Rāma’s readiness to shift from patience to decisive action when duty demands.