Shloka 2.26.11

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

Devanagari script

व्यजनाभ्यां च मुख्याभ्यां शतपत्रनिभेक्षणम्।चन्द्रहंसप्रकाशाभ्यां वीज्यते न तवाननम्।।।।

Transliteration

vyajanābhyāṃ ca mukhyābhyāṃ śata-patra-nibhekṣaṇam | candra-haṃsa-prakāśābhyāṃ vījyate na tavānanam ||

Translation

How is it that today your face—its eyes like lotus petals—is not being fanned with excellent fans, gleaming like the moon or like a swan?

Context

(How is it that) your face, with its lotus-like eyes is not being fanned by excellent fans of the colour of the Moon or the swan.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• fans (vyajana)
• moon (candra)
• swan (haṃsa)
• lotus (śatapatra)

FAQs

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

Dharma may require relinquishing rightful comforts: the people’s sorrow highlights that Rāma accepts the loss of royal honours without protest to uphold truth and duty.

What is the narrative situation?

The crowd compares the present scene with earlier royal processions, noting the absence of customary attendants and luxuries such as ceremonial fanning.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tyāga (renunciation) and composure: Rāma’s acceptance of hardship underscores inner discipline.