Shloka 2.38.13

अयोध्याकाण्डे अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — Sita in Bark Garments; Public Outcry and Dasaratha’s Lament

Devanagari script

इतीव राजा विलपन्महात्माशोकस्य नान्तं स ददर्श किञ्चित्।भृशातुरत्वाच्च पपात भूमौतेनैव पुत्रव्यसनेन मग्नः।।।।

Transliteration

itīva rājā vilapan mahātmā śokasya nāntaṃ sa dadarśa kiñcit | bhṛśāturatvāc ca papāta bhūmau tenaiva putravyasanena magnaḥ || 2.38.13 ||

Translation

Thus lamenting, the great-souled king found no end at all to his grief; overwhelmed and deeply anguished by the calamity concerning his son, he collapsed upon the ground, sunk in that sorrow.

Context

The king could not see any end to his lamentation. Immersed in the grief of separation from his son and deeply tormented, he fell down on the ground.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma (implied by 'son')

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the tragic weight of dharma-bound choices: even when vows and duty are upheld, their consequences can break the human heart.

What is the narrative situation?

After confronting Kaikeyī and witnessing the exile’s reality, Daśaratha is consumed by sorrow and falls to the ground.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Paternal love and vulnerability: the king’s emotional collapse reveals the depth of his attachment to Rāma.