Sutikshna

Sutikshna is a forest sage whose hermitage becomes a stopping place for Ráma, Sítá, and Lakshmaṇ during their life in the forest. Though the account gives little personal history, it depicts him as a respected ascetic and shows his warmth toward Ráma when the prince explains his resolve.

Identity and Hermitage

The narrative identifies Sutikshna through his forest dwelling and his standing among ascetics. Ráma seeks his home with Sítá and his brother, guided by men described as rich in penance. The chapter devoted to the visit bears Sutikshna’s name, marking the hermit as the focus of this encounter without supplying a fuller account of his origins or past.

The Visit

After spending the night, Ráma, Sítá, and Lakshmaṇ return to Sutikshna in the morning and address him with reverence. The sequence presents the hermitage as a place of rest and counsel: the travelers arrive, sleep, and then resume their conversation with their host. Sutikshna is addressed as a holy lord, underscoring the respect accorded to his ascetic position.

Response to Ráma

When Ráma states his firm intent, Sutikshna’s joy rises, and he replies favorably. The passage does not provide enough detail to define the full scope of Ráma’s purpose or Sutikshna’s subsequent counsel, but it establishes a clear response: the sage welcomes the prince’s resolve rather than resisting it. His brief appearance thus joins hospitality with approval, making the hermitage a moment of respectful exchange within Ráma’s forest journey.