Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 102, Shloka 25
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च
Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī
ते सुतीर्थां ततः कृच्छ्रादुपागम्य यशस्विनः।नदीं मन्दाकिनीं रम्यां सदा पुष्पितकाननाम्।।2.102.24।।शीघ्रस्रोतसमासाद्य तीर्थं शिवमकर्दमम्।सिषिचु स्तूदकं राज्ञे तातैतत्ते भवत्विति।।2.102.25।।
śīghrasrotasam āsādya tīrthaṃ śivam akardamam | siṣicuḥ stūdakaṃ rājñe tāta etat te bhavatv iti ||
वे शीघ्र प्रवाहवाले, शुभ, निर्मल और कीचड़रहित तीर्थ पर पहुँचे और राजा के लिए जल अर्पित करते हुए बोले—“तात, यह आपके लिए हो।”
The illustrious brothers approached with great difficulty the swiftflowing and enchanting river Mandakini which had convenient descent and endowed with forests always in bloom. They descended at an auspicious place that was not slushy and offered libations of water saying 'O father, let these offerings be yours'.
FAQs
Pitṛ-dharma (duty to one’s ancestors): offering water (tarpana) expresses gratitude and responsibility toward parents, a central Ramayana ethic of righteousness rooted in family obligation.
At the Mandākinī, the brothers perform libations of water to Daśaratha, explicitly dedicating the offering to him.
Filial piety and reverence: even in exile and sorrow, they uphold rites for their father.