Shloka 2.20.40

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

Devanagari script

अतो दुःखतरं किं नु प्रमदानां भविष्यति।मम शोको विलापश्च यादृशोऽयमनन्तकः।।।।

Transliteration

ato duḥkhataraṃ kiṃ nu pramadānāṃ bhaviṣyati | mama śoko vilāpaś ca yādṛśo ’yam anantakaḥ ||

Translation

What greater suffering can there be for women than this—such unending grief and lamentation as mine?

Context

There cannnot be greater distress for any woman than such unending grief and lamentation (which I am now experiencing).

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It points to compassion as a dharmic necessity: when duty is pursued, the suffering of dependents—especially vulnerable family members—must be recognized as morally significant.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā describes her grief as limitless, emphasizing the emotional devastation caused by Rāma’s exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s vulnerability and sincerity are emphasized, presenting grief as an authentic human response rather than moral failure.