Shloka 2.40.19

प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)

Devanagari script

तत्समाकुलसम्भ्रान्तं मत्तसङ्कुपितद्विपम्।हयशिञ्जितनिर्घोषं पुरमासीन्महास्वनम्।।।।

Transliteration

pratiyāte mahāraṇyaṃ cira-rātrāya rāghave | babhūva nagare mūrchā bala-mūrchā janasya ca ||

Translation

When Rāghava set out for the great forest for a long while, the city fell into a stupor; the people too grew faint, their strength drained away.

Context

The city was distressed and flurried by the intoxicated elephants, provoked by themighty sound of the tinkling of bells and the neighing of the horses.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Ayodhyā
• great forest (mahāraṇya)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the social dimension of dharma: a righteous leader’s presence sustains public morale; his forced absence wounds the collective life of the city.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma’s departure for long exile shocks Ayodhyā; the populace becomes stunned and weakened by grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s perceived righteousness and dependability—so central that the city’s strength seems tied to him.