Shloka 2.26.10

अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः — Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct

Devanagari script

न ते शतशलाकेन जलफेननिभेन च।आवृतं वदनं वल्गु छत्रेणापि विराजते।।।।

Transliteration

na te śata-śalākena jala-phena-nibhena ca | āvṛtaṃ vadanaṃ valgu chatreṇāpi virājate ||

Translation

How is it that your charming face does not shine today, even when covered by a white umbrella with a hundred ribs, like foam upon water?

Context

How is it that your charming face shines not today under a hundred-ribbed umbrella (white) like foam in water?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• umbrella (chatra)
• Ayodhyā citizens (implied)

FAQs

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

The verse indirectly shows the cost of dharma: outward royal signs remain, yet the joy and radiance associated with rightful kingship are eclipsed by the injustice of exile.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma proceeds along the road, the people observe the absence of usual royal splendour and express grief that even the ceremonial umbrella cannot make his face appear as before.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s self-restraint and seriousness: his diminished ‘shine’ reflects inner resolve and the weight of duty, not a lack of majesty.