Valmiki Ramayana 2.49.17 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 49, Shloka 17
एकोनपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 49): Rāma’s Night Journey Beyond Kosala and the Charioteer Address
राजर्षीणां हि लोकेऽस्मिन् रत्यर्थं मृगया वने।काले कृतां तां मनुजैर्घन्विनामभिकाङ्क्षिताम्।।।।
rājarṣīṇāṁ hi loke ’smin ratyarthaṁ mṛgayā vane | kāle kṛtāṁ tāṁ manujair dhanvinām abhikāṅkṣitām ||
या लोकात राजर्षी रतीसाठी योग्य काळी वनात मृगया करतात; ही धनुर्धारकांना अभिप्रेत अशी क्रीडा असून नंतर इतर मनुष्यांनीही ती स्वीकारली आहे।
While Rama was thus travelling, the auspicious night ended. With the sandhya (morning twilight), worship over, he reached the frontiers of the country.
FAQs
Dharma is contextual propriety: actions are judged by role and timing (kāla). Rama highlights that even sanctioned royal practices are meant to be regulated, not indiscriminate.
Rama explains the cultural background of hunting as a regulated royal sport, valued by archers and imitated by others.
Discernment (viveka)—Rama distinguishes between tradition, proper timing, and personal desire.
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