Shloka 2.26.16

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

Devanagari script

हस्ती चाग्रत श्श्रीमां स्तव लक्षणपूजितः।प्रयाणे लक्ष्यते वीर कृष्णमेघगिरि प्रभः।।।।

Transliteration

hastī cāgrataḥ śrīmāṃs tava lakṣaṇapūjitaḥ | prayāṇe lakṣyate vīra kṛṣṇameghagiri-prabhaḥ ||

Translation

Why, O valiant one, is the auspicious elephant—honoured for its noble marks, radiant like a dark cloud or a mountain—not seen at the front of your procession as you set out?

Context

How is it that the elephant, whose lustre resembles that of a mountain or a dark cloud and endowed with auspicious features is not seen leading your procession, O valiant one!

Characters & Entities

• elephant (hastī)
• procession/departure (prayāṇa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is tied to legitimacy and auspicious order: royal insignia and omens are expected to accompany a rightful public transition of power.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā continues noting absent royal emblems that would normally lead Rāma if he were proceeding to coronation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s devoted concern and cultural literacy regarding auspicious signs and royal protocol.