Shloka 2.39.8

एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः — Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा तु वचनं बाष्पेण पिहितेन्द्रियः।रामेति सकृदेवोक्त्वा व्याहर्तुं न शशाक ह।।2.39.8।।

Transliteration

jajñe 'tha tāsāṃ sannādaḥ krauñcīnām iva nisvanaḥ | mānavendrasya bhāryāṇām evaṃ vadati rāghave || 2.39.40 ||

Translation

As Rāghava spoke thus, a great wail rose from the wives of the lord of men, sounding like the cry of the female krauñcī-birds.

Context

Having uttered these words and muttering, 'O Rama' only once, his vision blurred by tears, he could speak no more.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Daśaratha (mānavendra)
• queens/wives of Daśaratha

FAQs

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

The verse highlights dharma’s emotional stakes: righteous decisions (like exile for truth) can trigger communal grief, revealing the gravity of moral commitments.

What is the narrative situation?

When Rāma speaks his farewell, Daśaratha’s queens break into a collective cry of lamentation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate sensitivity is implied: the household’s grief underscores Rāma’s belovedness and the painful cost of duty.