Shloka 2.102.11

पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च (Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī)

Devanagari script

निष्प्रधानामनेकाग्रां नरेन्द्रेण विनाकृताम्।निवृत्तवनवासोऽपि नायोध्यां गन्तु मुत्सहे।।।।

Transliteration

niṣpradhānām anekāgrāṃ narendreṇa vinākṛtām | nivṛttavanavāso 'pi nāyodhyāṃ gantuṃ utsahe || 2.102.11 ||

Translation

Even when my forest-dwelling is completed, I do not feel able to go to Ayodhyā—left without its lord, bereft of its king, and cast into uncertainty.

Context

Even after the completion of my exile I do not wish to return to Ayodhya which is directionless, bereft of its chief, the king.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Ayodhyā
• Daśaratha (implicit as narendra)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

A kingdom’s stability depends on rightful leadership; dharma includes concern for social order and the disorientation caused by loss of a righteous ruler.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama, grieving, expresses reluctance to return to Ayodhyā because it is now without Daśaratha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s sense of responsibility and reverence for rightful authority—he feels the gravity of a realm bereft of its king.