Shloka 2.40.32

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

Devanagari script

रामो याहीति सूतं तं तिष्ठेति स जनस्तदा।उभयं नाशकत्सूतः कर्तुमध्वनि चोदितः।।।।

Transliteration

rāmo yāhīti sūtaṃ taṃ tiṣṭheti sa janas tadā | ubhayaṃ nāśakat sūtaḥ kartum adhvani coditaḥ ||

Translation

Urged on the road by Rāma to drive onward, and at the same time pressed by the citizens to stop, the charioteer could fulfill neither demand.

Context

Urged by Rama to drive fast on the one hand and by the citizens to stay, on the other, the charioteer could do neither on the way.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• sūta (charioteer)
• jana (citizens of Ayodhyā)

FAQs

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

It highlights a dharmic tension: Rāma must proceed to uphold truth and duty, while the citizens’ love urges him to stay. Dharma can create conflicting obligations, and action must follow the higher vow and righteous order.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma departs from Ayodhyā, the charioteer is simultaneously commanded by Rāma to move forward and by the citizens to stop, leaving him unable to satisfy both.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness to duty and truth (satya-dharma) is implied, even when it causes pain to loved ones and the public.