Shloka 2.33.4

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

Devanagari script

न हि रथ्याः स्म शक्यन्ते गन्तुं बहुजनाकुलाः।आरुह्य तस्मात्प्रासादान् दीनाः पश्यन्ति राघवम्।।।।

Transliteration

pratīkṣamāṇo 'pi janaṃ tadārtam anārtarūpaḥ prahasann ivātha | jagāma rāmaḥ pitaraṃ didṛkṣuḥ pitur nideśaṃ vidhivac cikīrṣuḥ ||

Translation

Though he saw the people then in distress, Rāma did not display his own anguish; as if smiling, he went to see his father, intent on carrying out his father’s command in the proper manner.

Context

The streets were so thronged with multitudes of citizens that they were impassable. Therefore, people felt miserable and ascended their mansions and gazed at Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha (implied)
• Ayodhyā citizens (implicit)

FAQs

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

Dharma as disciplined obedience and propriety: Rāma prioritizes rightful action and respectful procedure over public emotion and personal pain.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, seeing the city’s grief, nevertheless proceeds to meet Daśaratha to understand and fulfill the king’s instruction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ātma-saṃyama (self-control) and maryādā (maintaining dignified conduct under pressure).