Shloka 2.105.19

भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य कालधर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Instruction on Time and Mortality)

Devanagari script

अत्येति रजनी या तु सा न प्रतिनिवर्तते।यात्येव यमुना पूर्णा समुद्रमुदकाकुलम्।।2.105.19।।

Transliteration

yathā 'gāraṃ dṛḍhasthūṇaṃ jīrṇaṃ bhūtvā 'vasīdati | tathaiva sīdanti narā jarāmṛtyuvaśaṃ gatāḥ ||2.105.18||

Translation

Even a house with sturdy pillars, once it grows old, sinks into decay; in the same way, people who come under the power of aging and death are worn down.

Context

A night that once passe off does not return like the waters of river Yamuna that flowinto the ocean filled with water (the water do not flow back into Yamuna).

FAQs

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

It supports non-attachment and responsibility: since decline is natural, dharma lies in right living now, not in clinging to the body’s permanence.

What is the narrative situation?

A comparison is drawn between structural decay and human aging to console and instruct in a time of sorrow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prājñatā (wisdom): the ability to interpret suffering through universal law rather than personal grievance.