Shloka 2.40.36

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

Devanagari script

दृष्ट्वा तु नृपति श्श्रीमानेकचित्तगतं पुरम्।निपपातैव दुःखेन हतमूल इव द्रुमः।।।।

Transliteration

dṛṣṭvā tu nṛpatiḥ śrīmān ekacittagataṃ puram | nipapātaiva duḥkhena hatamūla iva drumaḥ ||

Translation

Seeing the city wholly absorbed in a single grief, the prosperous king collapsed in sorrow, like a tree whose roots have been cut away.

Context

Having seen the city (people) absorbed in one single thought, the prosperous king, grief-stricken, fell down on the ground like a tree severed at its root.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (implied: nṛpatiḥ/king)
• Ayodhyā (puram)

FAQs

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

It shows the burden of dharma on rulers: even a king, bound by truth and royal obligation, can be shattered when dharma’s consequences harm what he loves most.

What is the narrative situation?

The king observes the entire city focused on Rāma’s departure and, overwhelmed, falls down in grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s deep paternal love and sensitivity, revealing the human cost behind royal decisions tied to vows and truth.