Shloka 2.40.30

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

Devanagari script

पिता हि राजा काकुत्स्थः श्रीमान् सन्नस्तदाऽभवत्।परिपूर्णः शशी काले ग्रहेणोपप्लुतो यथा।।।।

Transliteration

pitā hi rājā kākutsthaḥ śrīmān sannaḥ tadā’bhavat | paripūrṇaḥ śaśī kāle graheṇopapluto yathā ||

Translation

Then the father—the king of the Kakutstha line—though splendid, grew dim, like the full moon at the time of an eclipse when seized by the graha Rāhu.

Context

The king born in the race of Kakutstha, though bright, looked dull then like the full Moon eclipsed (by Rahu).

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kakutstha lineage
• śaśī (moon)
• graha (Rāhu, implied)

FAQs

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

The verse points to the tension between satya (truthfulness to vows) and personal well-being: the king’s radiance is eclipsed by the consequences of his binding promises.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma’s exile becomes real, Daśaratha’s vitality collapses; the narrator depicts his condition through the image of an eclipsed full moon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, the gravity of kingship and vow-bound duty—Daśaratha bears the weight of his own commitment even as it destroys his peace.