Shloka 2.20.6

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

Devanagari script

इति सर्वा महिष्यस्ता विवत्सा इव धेनवः।पतिमाचुक्रुशुश्चैव सस्वरं चापि चुक्रुशुः।।।।

Transliteration

iti sarvā mahiṣyas tā vivatsā iva dhenavaḥ |

patim ācukruśuś caiva sasvaraṃ cāpi cukruśuḥ ||

Translation

Thus all those chief queens—like cows bereft of their calves—cried out aloud, wailing and calling out to their husband.

Context

Thus all the queens like calfless cows cried loudly blaming their husband.

Characters & Entities

• Queens of Dasharatha (mahiṣyaḥ)
• Dasharatha (implied by pati)

FAQs

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

It shows the human cost that can accompany dharma-bound royal decisions: even when truth and vows are upheld, the household may be shaken by grief, revealing dharma’s severity as well as its necessity.

What is the narrative situation?

Within the palace, the queens collectively break into loud lamentation, comparing themselves to calfless cows amid the crisis surrounding Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a single virtue but a shared emotional reality: the queens’ vulnerability and attachment, illustrating the epic’s compassionate portrayal of suffering.