Shloka 2.114.18

अयोध्याप्रवेशः — Bharata Enters Ayodhya and Perceives the City’s Desolation

Devanagari script

शुष्कतोयां महामत्स्यैः कूर्मैश्च बहुभिर्वृताम्। प्रभिन्नतटविस्तीर्णां वापीमिव हृतोत्पलाम्।।2.114.18।।

Transliteration

sahasā yuddhaśauṇḍena hayāroheṇa vāhitām | nihatāṃ pratisainyena vaḍavām iva pātitām || 2.114.17 ||

Translation

Like a mare suddenly brought down—though driven hard by a war-skilled horseman—slain by the opposing army and cast to the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā

FAQs

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

The verse underscores how collective life suffers when righteous leadership is removed; dharma protects a realm from ‘being felled’ by adversity, both moral and political.

What is the narrative situation?

A continuing set of metaphors portrays Ayodhya as struck down and powerless after Rama’s exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s protective kingship (rājadharma) is implied by its absence—his removal makes the city appear defeated.