Shloka 2.20.54

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

Devanagari script

अथापि किं जीवितमद्य मे वृथात्वया विना चन्द्रनिभाननप्रभ।अनुव्रजिष्यामि वनं त्वयैव गौस्सुदुर्बला वत्समिवानुकाङ्क्षया।।।।

Transliteration

athāpi kiṃ jīvitam adya me vṛthā tvayā vinā candranibhānanaprabha |

anuvrajiṣyāmi vanaṃ tvayaiva gauḥ sudurbalā vatsam ivānukāṅkṣayā ||

Translation

Even so, what worth is my life today—empty without you, O you whose face shines like the full moon? I will follow you to the forest, like a weakened cow longing with tender affection for her calf.

Context

What is the use of this life now? What is life without you whose countenance glows like the full Moon? Like a cow emaciated by its search for the calf, I will follow you into the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalya
• Rama
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

It underscores the dharmic tension between personal attachment and righteous duty: Kausalya’s longing seeks to follow Rama, while the wider epic frames separation as part of dharma-bound obedience and sacrifice.

What is the narrative situation?

In the aftermath of the exile decision, Kausalya expresses that life without Rama is meaningless and declares her impulse to accompany him into the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast maternal devotion (vātsalya) and loyalty—her identity and will are portrayed as bound to Rama’s presence.