Shloka 2.20.47

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

Devanagari script

अपश्यन्ती तव मुखं परिपूर्णशशिप्रभम्।कृपणा वर्तयिष्यामि कथं कृपणजीविकाम्।।।।

Transliteration

apaśyantī tava mukhaṃ paripūrṇaśaśiprabham | kṛpaṇā vartayiṣyāmi kathaṃ kṛpaṇajīvikām ||

Translation

Without beholding your face, radiant as the full moon, how shall I—wretched—go on living this miserable life?

Context

Without beholding your face that is as bright as the full Moon, how can this wretched woman live this pitiable life?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the cost of righteous duty (Rāma’s obedience) on loved ones; Dharma often demands sacrifice that must be borne with truthfulness and compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

Facing imminent separation from her son, Kausalyā expresses the emotional devastation of not seeing Rāma’s face during his forest exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Deep affection (vātsalya) and sincerity—her love is presented as pure, not political.