Shloka 2.40.2

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

Devanagari script

तं चापि समनुज्ञाप्य धर्मज्ञस्सीतया सह।राघव श्शोकसम्मूढो जननीमभ्यवादयत्।।।।

Transliteration

tat samākula-sambhrāntaṃ matta-saṅkupita-dvipam | haya-śiñjita-nirghoṣaṃ puram āsīn mahā-svanam ||

Translation

The city became tumultuous and distressed—its elephants agitated in musth—while the loud din of horses’ neighing and bells rose into a great roar.

Context

Taking leave of Dasaratha, the righteous descendant of the Raghus (Rama) along with Sita paid obeisance to his mother Kausalya who was afflicted with deep grief.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• elephants
• horses

FAQs

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

When dharma is disrupted in the kingdom (the rightful heir exiled), even the civic order mirrors that disturbance—an implicit warning that adharma has societal consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

As the departure unfolds, Ayodhyā is filled with commotion—animals and people alike stirred by the moment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a single virtue, but the collective attachment to Rāma’s righteousness—shown by the city’s agitation at his leaving.