Shloka 2.20.7

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

Devanagari script

स हि चान्तःपुरे घोरमार्तशब्दं महीपतिः।पुत्रशोकाभिसन्तप्तः श्रुत्वा व्यालीयताऽसने।।।।

Transliteration

sa hi cāntaḥpure ghōram ārtaśabdaṃ mahīpatiḥ |

putraśokābhisantaptaḥ śrutvā vyālīyata āsane ||

Translation

For the king, scorched by grief for his son, heard the dreadful cries of distress from the inner chambers and sank down upon his seat.

Context

Tormented with grief on account of his son, the king sank in his seat on hearing the cries of distress from the inner apartment

Characters & Entities

• Dasharatha
• Inner apartments (antaḥpura)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores that rulers bound by truth and promises may still be inwardly shattered; dharma is not portrayed as painless, but as a duty that can exact profound personal suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Dasharatha hears the queens’ anguished cries from within the palace and physically collapses into his seat, overwhelmed by sorrow for Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dasharatha’s deep paternal attachment is foregrounded—his emotional collapse reveals the intensity of his love and the tragedy of conflicting obligations.