Shloka 2.33.27

त्रयस्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Civic Lament and Rama’s Dutiful Approach to Daśaratha

Devanagari script

स तु वेश्म पितुर्दूरात्कैलासशिखरप्रभम्।अभिचक्राम धर्मात्मा मत्तमातङ्गविक्रमः।।।।

Transliteration

na hi rathyāḥ sma śakyante gantuṃ bahujanākulāḥ | āruhya tasmāt prāsādān dīnāḥ paśyanti rāghavam ||

Translation

For the streets, crowded with multitudes, had become impassable; therefore the people, miserable with grief, climbed up onto the mansions and looked upon Rāghava.

Context

Dutiful Rama, endowed with the prowess of an intoxicated elephant, approached the residence of his father that resembled from a distance the peak of mount Kailasa in splendour.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Ayodhyā (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as a public reality: the people’s sorrow signals that the righteous order of the kingdom is felt collectively, not privately.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā’s streets are jammed with anxious citizens; unable to approach, they climb buildings to see Rāma as he passes.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The citizens’ devotion and concern for the righteous prince—an ethical bond between ruler (or heir) and the ruled.