Shloka 2.40.23

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

Devanagari script

आयसं हृदयं नूनं राममातुरसंशयम्।यद्देवगर्भप्रतिमे वनं याति न भिद्यते।।।।

Transliteration

āyasaṃ hṛdayaṃ nūnaṃ rāmamātur asaṃśayam | yad devagarbha-pratime vanaṃ yāti na bhidyate ||

Translation

Surely, beyond doubt, Rāma’s mother’s heart must be made of iron, for it does not break even as he—like a child of the gods—goes away to the forest.

Context

Alas, the heart of Kausalya whose son, Rama, resembles the offspring of the gods, does not break even though he is going to the forest! Undoubtedly it must be made of iron.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is endurance and self-restraint in suffering: Kauśalyā bears unbearable grief without collapsing, embodying dignified steadiness amid a righteous but painful exile.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma departs for the forest, observers marvel that his mother Kauśalyā does not break down, even though her divine-like son is being sent away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśalyā’s fortitude (dhairya) and maternal nobility—strength that holds firm even under profound loss.