Shloka 2.13.16

अयोध्याकाण्डे त्रयोदशः सर्गः | Kaikeyi Presses the Boons; Dasaratha’s Lament and Collapse

Devanagari script

तथैवोष्णं विनिश्वस्य वृद्धो दशरथो नृपः।।।।विललापार्तवद्युखं गगनासक्तलोचनः।

Transliteration

tathaivoṣṇaṃ viniśvasya vṛddho daśaratho nṛpaḥ |

vilalāpārtavad duḥkhaṃ gaganāsaktalocanaḥ |

Translation

In the same way, the aged king Daśaratha, breathing hot sighs, lamented his misery like a sick man, his eyes fixed upon the sky.

Context

The old king Dasaratha, heaving hot sighs, started lamenting pitiably fixing his gaze at the sky like the sick:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sky

FAQs

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

Dharma is not abstract: its burdens are borne in the body and mind. The verse shows how a ruler’s pledged word and moral conflict can break human strength.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration lingers on Daśaratha’s physical and emotional collapse as he continues to grieve through the night.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s seriousness about obligation—his suffering indicates he recognizes the gravity of the situation rather than treating it lightly.