Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 22

कामाश्रम

प्रवेशः / Entry into Kāma’s Hermitage at the Sarayū–Gaṅgā Confluence

Devanagari script

कथाभिरभिरामाभिरभिरामौ नृपात्मजौ।रमयामास धर्मात्मा कौशिको मुनिपुङ्गव:।।।।

Transliteration

kathābhir abhirāmābhir abhirāmau nṛpātmajau |

ramayāmāsa dharmātmā kauśiko munipuṅgavaḥ ||

Translation

心正しきカウシカ（ヴィシュヴァーミトラ）——聖仙の中の最勝者——は、麗しき二人の王子を麗しい物語で喜ばせた。

Word by Word

• kathābhiḥ: with stories
• kathābhiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kathā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Strīliṅga, Tṛtīyā, Bahuvacana

• abhirāmābhiḥ: delightful/charming
• abhirāmābhiḥ: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: abhirāma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Strīliṅga? here agreeing with kathābhiḥ (kathā is feminine): Strīliṅga, Tṛtīyā, Bahuvacana; viśeṣaṇa of kathābhiḥ

• abhirāmau: the two charming (ones)
• abhirāmau: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: abhirāma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga, Prathamā, Dvivacana; qualifying nṛpātmajau

• nṛpātmajau: the two princes (sons of the king)
• nṛpātmajau: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: nṛpa-ātmaja (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa: nṛpasya ātmajau; Puṃliṅga, Prathamā, Dvivacana

• ramayāmāsa: delighted/entertained
• ramayāmāsa: Kriyā (मुख्यक्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √ram (रम्) + ṇic (णिच्, causative)
• Form: Liṭ? actually Laṅ/Perfect? Form ramayāmāsa is periphrastic perfect (लिट्, परोक्षभूत) 3rd person singular; parasmaipada; causative meaning ‘caused to delight’

• dharmātmā: the righteous-souled one
• dharmātmā: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dharma-ātman (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Bahuvrīhi: yasya ātmā dharmaḥ; Puṃliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana

• kauśikaḥ: Kauśika (Viśvāmitra)
• kauśikaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kauśika (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana; proper name/epithet of Viśvāmitra

• munipuṅgavaḥ: foremost of sages
• munipuṅgavaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: muni-puṅgava (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa: munīnām puṅgavaḥ (best among sages); Puṃliṅga, Prathamā, Ekavacana

Context

"O worshipful one, whose sacred hermitage is this? Who lives here? Indeed, we are curious to know".

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra (Kauśika)
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is taught through elevating narratives: a sage uses stories to shape character, strengthen right understanding, and guide conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

During their stay at the hermitage, Viśvāmitra engages Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with instructive, pleasing accounts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Wise pedagogy and benevolence—Viśvāmitra’s ability to instruct while delighting, nurturing dharmic insight.