Valmiki Ramayana 2.32.32: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 32, Shloka 32
द्वात्रिंशस्सर्गः · Gifts to Suyajna and the Brahmins; Trijata’s Petition and Rama’s Charity
Setting: road leading to Rāma-niveśanaPlaces named: Rāma-niveśanaSetting out toward Rāma’s dwelling
स भार्यावचनं श्रुत्वा शाटीमाच्छाद्य दुश्छदाम् ॥३२॥
स प्रातिष्ठत पन्थानं यत्र रामनिवेशनम् ।
sa bhāryāvacanaṁ śrutvā śāṭīm ācchādya duśchadām ||32||
sa prātiṣṭhata panthānaṁ yatra rāmaniveśanam |
स भार्यावचनं श्रुत्वा शाटीमाच्छाद्य दुश्छदाम्। स प्रातिष्ठत पन्थानं यत्र रामनिवेशनम्॥
Sandhi Notes
- bhāryāvacanaṃ = bhāryā-vacanam
- śāṭīmācchādya = śāṭīm ācchādya
- duśchadām kept as one pada
- yatra rāmaniveśanam = yatra rāma-niveśanam
At the words of his wife, Trijata took the path to Rama's palace, having wrapped himself with a torn upper garment .
The teaching
Humility and effort—one must take the first step toward rightful help; dignity can coexist with poverty.
- Ethical theme
- Personal conduct (sadācāra)
For your practice
Encourages dainya and perseverance; approaching the dhārmic center rather than sinking into inertia.
Mood and themes
- Rasa
- Karuna (compassion), with Vira (heroism)
- Mood
- Austere, determined, humble
Themes
- Dharma
- Poverty
- Hope
- Journey
- Reliance on the righteous
Outer raggedness with inner resolve echoes vairāgya-like simplicity; movement toward the righteous as movement toward sattva and order.
The motif of ‘going’ (gacchati) toward a higher support parallels the seeker’s approach to the source of aid/knowledge (later guru-upasatti paradigm).
- Trijata and Rama
- Petitioner traveling to prince’s dwelling (hopeful)
Mahābhārata 12 (praise of dainya and simplicity as virtues)
Āśrama/poverty iconography of tapasvins (though here a householder in distress)
Ayodhyākāṇḍa: repeated depictions of petitioners and dependents approaching the royal household
Anuṣṭup (śloka)
Narrative
Manda-gati with karuṇa-anuvāda
FAQs
Dharma includes humility and rightful seeking of aid; the verse normalizes approaching the righteous without shame when one is in need.
Trijaṭa, persuaded by his wife, departs in worn clothing toward Rama’s residence to seek help.
Trijaṭa’s readiness to act and his humility, shown by his simple attire and direct approach.
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