अष्टसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Śatrughna’s Fury and Bharata’s Restraint
Mantharā Episode
सानुक्रोशां वदान्यां च धर्मज्ञां च यशस्विनीम्।कौसल्यां शरणं याम सा हि नोऽस्तु ध्रुवा गतिः।।।।
sānukrośāṃ vadānyāṃ ca dharmajñāṃ ca yaśasvinīm | kausalyāṃ śaraṇaṃ yāma sā hi no 'stu dhruvā gatiḥ ||
కరుణామయి, దానశీలి, ధర్మజ్ఞ, యశస్విని అయిన కౌసల్యామాత శరణు పొందుదాం; ఆమెయే మనకు నిశ్చలమైన ఆశ్రయము, ధ్రువగతి.
Let us seek refuge under the illustrious Kausalya, who is compassionate, generous, and knower of righteousness. She is our sure saviour.
Śaraṇāgati under a dharmic protector: when threatened, one seeks refuge with the compassionate and righteous rather than responding with further harm.
Fearing Śatrughna’s anger, the companions decide to approach Kausalyā, trusting her mercy and moral authority.
Kausalyā’s karuṇā (compassion), dānā (generosity), and dharmajñatā (moral discernment).