Shloka 2.40.31

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

Devanagari script

स च श्रीमानचिन्त्यात्मा रामो दशरथात्मजः।सूतं सञ्चोदयामास त्वरितं वाह्यतामिति।।।।

Transliteration

sa ca śrīmān acintyātmā rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ | sūtaṃ sañcodayāmāsa tvaritaṃ vāhyatām iti ||

Translation

And Rāma—illustrious, of unfathomable spirit, Daśaratha’s son—urged the charioteer: “Drive swiftly.”

Context

The son of Dasaratha, glorious Rama of inconceivable courage, exhorted the charioteer to drive the chariot fast.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• sūta (charioteer)
• chariot (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is decisive obedience to rightful duty: Rāma does not linger in emotional delay but moves forward to fulfill the exile command with disciplined resolve.

What is the narrative situation?

At the moment of departure, Rāma instructs the charioteer to proceed quickly, accelerating the transition from palace life to forest exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness and self-command—acting without wavering once dharma’s course is clear.