Shloka 2.20.1

अयोध्याकाण्डे विंशः सर्गः — Rama Enters Kauśalyā’s Antaḥpura; Ritual Preparations and the Shock of Exile

Devanagari script

तस्मिंस्तु पुरुषव्याघ्रे निष्क्रामति कृताञ्जलौ।आर्तशब्दो महान् जज्ञे स्त्रीणामन्तःपुरे तदा।।।।

Transliteration

tasmiṃs tu puruṣa-vyāghre niṣkrāmati kṛtāñjalau | ārta-śabdo mahān jajñe strīṇām antaḥpure tadā || 2.20.1 ||

Translation

But as that tiger among men—Rāma—was leaving with palms joined in reverence, a great cry of distress arose among the women in the inner palace.

Context

When the tiger among men (Rama) was coming out with folded palms, there arose a huge cry of distress among the ladies of the harem:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• antaḥpura (inner palace)
• women of the palace

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown through respectful conduct (añjali) even amid tension; the palace women’s distress highlights how righteous decisions can still cause human grief.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma moves through the palace precincts with reverence; the women within the inner apartments react with loud distress at the unfolding events around him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s maryādā (decorum and reverence), expressed by departing with folded hands, maintaining dignity in a charged moment.