Shloka 6.23.1

निमित्तदर्शनम् (Portents Before the March to Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

निमित्तानिनिमित्ताज्ञोदृष्टवालक्ष्मणपूर्वजः ।सौमित्रिंसम्परिष्वज्यइदंवचनमब्रवीत् ।।6.23.1।।

Transliteration

nimittāni nimitta-jño dṛṣṭvā lakṣmaṇa-pūrvajaḥ |

saumitriṃ sampariṣvajya idaṃ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa’s elder brother, skilled in reading portents, having observed the signs, embraced Saumitrī and spoke these words.

Context

Perceiving the portents, Rama spoke these words embracing Saumithri who was aware of the portents.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitrī)
• Portents (Nimittas)

FAQs

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

Dharma is compassionate responsibility: even amid ominous signs, Rāma steadies the situation through care, closeness, and truthful counsel.

What is the narrative situation?

At the opening of the next chapter, after ominous phenomena, Rāma recognizes the portents and prepares to address Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective brotherhood and composed discernment—Rāma combines insight (nimitta-jñāna) with affectionate reassurance.