Shloka 2.114.9

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

Devanagari script

गोष्ठमध्ये स्थितामार्तामचरन्तीं तृणं नवम्। गोवृषेण परित्यक्तां गवां पक्तिमिवोत्सुकाम्।।2.114.9।।

Transliteration

goṣṭhamadhye sthitām ārtām acarantīṃ tṛṇaṃ navam | govṛṣeṇa parityaktāṃ gavāṃ paktim ivotsukām || 2.114.9 ||

Translation

It was like a row of cows amid the herd—anguished, no longer grazing the fresh grass—forsaken by the bull and restlessly yearning.

Context

the midst of the herd despairs and no longer grazes the new grass.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• goṣṭha (cow-pen/herd)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the king’s dharma as protector and sustainer: when the rightful guardian is absent, the community becomes anxious and unable to enjoy even available prosperity (like fresh grass).

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā’s people are portrayed as bereft and listless after Rāma’s departure, through the image of cows abandoned by the bull.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s protective, stabilizing kingship-virtue is implied—his absence produces insecurity and yearning among the people.