Shloka 2.26.15

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

Devanagari script

चतुर्भिर्वेगसम्पन्नैर्हयैः काञ्चनभूषितैः।मुख्यः पुष्यरथो युक्तः किं न गच्छति तेऽग्रतः।।।।

Transliteration

caturbhir vegasampannair hayaiḥ kāñcanabhūṣitaiḥ | mukhyaḥ puṣyaratho yuktaḥ kiṃ na gacchati te ’grataḥ ||

Translation

Why does the chief ceremonial chariot—gold-adorned and yoked to four swift horses—not go before you?

Context

How is it that the chief ceremonial chariot, decorated with gold and harnessed by four galloping horses is not preceding you?

Characters & Entities

• ceremonial chariot (puṣyaratha)
• horses (haya)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown through adherence to rightful royal custom: ceremonial symbols (like the chariot) publicly manifest legitimate succession and ordered governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā lists missing coronation-procession elements, highlighting that Rāma’s departure looks unlike a prince proceeding to anointing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s clarity of perception and concern for propriety—she reads political-ritual signs accurately.