Valmiki Ramayana 2.55.5: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 55, Shloka 5
चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः
Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing
अथाऽसाद्य तु कालिन्दी शीघ्रस्रोतसमापगाम्।तस्यास्तीर्थं प्रचलितं पुराणं प्रेक्ष्य राघवौ।।।।तत्र यूयं प्लवं कृत्वा तरतांशुमतीं नदीम्।
athāsādya tu kālindīṃ śīghrasrotasamāpagām | tasyās tīrthaṃ pracalitaṃ purāṇaṃ prekṣya rāghavau || tatra yūyaṃ plavaṃ kṛtvā taratāṃśumatīṃ nadīm ||
अथ कालिन्दीं शीघ्रस्रोतसमापगामासाद्य, तस्यास्तीर्थं प्रचलितं पुराणं च दृष्ट्वा राघवौ; तत्र यूयं प्लवं कृत्वा अंशुमतीं नदीं तरत।
On reaching that swift-flowing river Yamuna, O Rama and Lakshmana! O scions of the Raghu race, you will find an ancient spot (on the river bank). There make a raft and cross Kalindi, daughter of the Sun.
FAQs
Dharma here appears as prudent, non-harmful conduct during exile: choosing a recognized ford and using a raft reflects responsible action, care for companions, and respect for established ways (loka-pracāra).
Guha directs Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa on the onward route, instructing them how to cross the Yamunā safely by locating an ancient, well-known crossing-place and making a raft.
Practical wisdom and protective care—guidance that safeguards the exiles and supports their dharmic journey.
Ask anything about this verse
Answers come straight from the texts, with the shlokas they draw on. Ask in your own words.
A free Google sign-in keeps your chat saved across web and the app.
Read Valmiki Ramayana in the Vedapath app
Scan the QR code to open this directly in the app, with word-by-word meanings, Sanskrit recitation where available, and more.