Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 51, Shloka 27
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Guha’s Vigil and Lakṣmaṇa’s Lament
Night on the riverbank
तथा हि सत्यं ब्रुवति प्रजाहितेनरेन्द्रपुत्रे गुरुसौहृदाद्गुहः।मुमोच बाष्पं व्यसनाभिपीडितोज्वरातुरो नाग इव व्यथातुरः।।।।
tathā hi satyaṁ bruvati prajāhitena nṛndraputre gurusauhṛdād guhaḥ |
mumoca bāṣpaṁ vyasanābhipīḍito jvarāturo nāga iva vyathāturaḥ ||
When the king’s son—ever intent on others’ welfare—spoke the truth in that manner, Guha, moved by deep friendship, was crushed by sorrow and shed tears, like an elephant fever-stricken and racked with pain.
When Rama, son of Dasaratha, sleeps on the ground with Sita how can I sleep orlive or enjoy pleasures?
FAQs
Satya is upheld even when painful; truthful speech aligned with welfare (prajāhita) is dharmic, and compassionate response to others’ suffering is also part of moral life.
After Lakshmana truthfully relates the situation, Guha—bound by friendship—breaks down in grief and weeps.
Guha’s empathy and loyal affection; Lakshmana’s truthfulness oriented to the listener’s welfare.