Shloka 2.102.8

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

Devanagari script

किं करिष्याम्ययोध्यायां ताते दिष्टां गतिं गते।कस्तां राजवराध्दीनामयोध्यां पालयिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

kiṁ kariṣyāmy ayodhyāyāṁ tāte diṣṭāṁ gatiṁ gate |

kas tāṁ rājavarād hīnām ayodhyāṁ pālayiṣyati || 2.102.8 ||

Translation

What shall I do in Ayodhyā, O Father, now that you have gone along the path of destiny ordained? Who will protect that Ayodhyā, bereft of the best of kings?

Context

What shall I do in Ayodhya now that my father has followed the path ordained by the gods? Who will rule that Ayodhya deprived of that best of kings?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Ayodhyā
• Bharata

FAQs

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

Rajadharma (duty of governance): Rāma’s grief immediately turns to the ethical concern of who will protect the kingdom and uphold order.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, learning of Daśaratha’s passing, worries about Ayodhyā’s leadership and protection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Public-minded responsibility—placing the welfare of the kingdom alongside personal sorrow.