Shloka 2
चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः
Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing
तेषां चैव स्वस्त्ययनं महर्षि स्स चकार ह।प्रस्थितांश्चैव तान्प्रेक्ष्य पिता पुत्रानिवान्वगात्।।।।
teṣāṃ caiva svastyayanaṃ maharṣiḥ sa cakāra ha | prasthitāṃś caiva tān prekṣya pitā putrān ivānvagāt ||
Maharṣi itu pun mengucapkan doa restu demi keselamatan perjalanan mereka; dan ketika melihat mereka berangkat, baginda turut mengiringi—bagaikan seorang bapa mengekori anak-anaknya sendiri.
Those valiant sons of Dasaratha held the float (firmly) to help Sita step on to it. Then they crossed the river carefully.
FAQs
Dharma is expressed as protective care and auspicious guardianship: the sage does not merely instruct from afar but blesses and accompanies them, embodying responsible guidance.
As Rāma’s party sets out, a great sage offers a ritual benediction for their safe passage and follows them with paternal concern.
Compassionate responsibility (anugraha) and guardianship—care that acts, not only advises.