Shloka 2.40.27

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

Devanagari script

एवं वदन्तस्ते सोढुं न शेकुर्बाष्पमागतम्।नरास्तमनुगच्छन्तः प्रियमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनम्।।।।

Transliteration

evaṃ vadantas te soḍhuṃ na śekur bāṣpam āgatam | narās tam anugacchantaḥ priyam ikṣvāku-nandanam ||

Translation

Even as they spoke thus, those men could not hold back the tears that welled up within them, as they followed their beloved Rāma, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line.

Context

Speaking thus, the people following their beloved Rama, the delight of the Ikshvaku dynasty, were not able to bear (restrain) the tears flowing from their eyes.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Ayodhyā citizens

FAQs

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

Dharma is love aligned with righteousness: the people honor Rāma’s rightful conduct, yet their tears show that dharmic decisions can still cause real human sorrow.

What is the narrative situation?

Citizens follow Rāma out of devotion; despite their words of praise, they are overwhelmed and weep openly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The citizens’ loyalty and reverence for righteous leadership—public affection for a prince who embodies dharma.