Shloka 2.114.6

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

Devanagari script

विध्वस्तकवचां रुग्णगजवाजिरथध्वजाम्। हतप्रवीरामापन्नां चमूमिव महाहवे।।2.114.6।।

Transliteration

vidhvastakavacāṃ rugṇagajavājirathadhvajām | hatapravīrām āpannāṃ camūm iva mahāhave || 2.114.6 ||

Translation

It seemed like an army in a mighty battle—armour shattered, elephants and horses wounded, chariots and banners broken, its heroic champions slain, and the whole host fallen into distress.

Context

warriors slain in the great battle (the city appeared desolate).

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā

FAQs

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

Dharma is depicted as the true ‘strength’ of a polity: without righteous order and rightful guidance, a city’s morale collapses as if after defeat. The verse teaches that ethical legitimacy sustains communal resilience.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā is being described as desolate and broken-hearted after Rāma’s exile, compared to a battlefield host ruined by war.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as the moral centre of the kingdom is implied; his absence makes the city appear ‘leaderless’ and defeated.