Shloka 2.114.30
अयोध्याप्रवेशः — Bharata Enters Ayodhya and Perceives the City’s Desolation
तरुणैश्चारुवेषैश्च नरैरुन्नतगामिभिः। सम्पतद्भिरयोध्यायां नाभिभान्ति महापथाः।।2.114.30।।
taruṇaiś cāruveṣaiś ca narair unnatagāmibhiḥ |
sampatadbhir ayodhyāyāṁ nābhibhānti mahāpathāḥ ||2.114.30||
Ayodhyā’s great roads no longer shine with groups moving about—young men and others in fine attire, walking with proud, confident gait.
The highways of Ayodhya thronged with groups of elegantly attired young men or adults with their majestic gait, do not shine.
It suggests that social vitality follows dharma: when the righteous order is shaken, public life withdraws; outward brilliance (dress, movement, gatherings) fades without inner moral confidence.
Bharata observes the absence of bustling, well-dressed crowds on Ayodhya’s main roads after Rama’s departure.
The people’s restraint and seriousness—choosing sobriety over display while Rama is in hardship.