Shloka 2.40.39

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

Devanagari script

अन्वीक्षमाणो रामस्तु विषण्णं भ्रान्तचेतसम्।राजानं मातरं चैव ददर्शानुगतौ पथि।।।।

Transliteration

anvīkṣamāṇo rāmas tu viṣaṇṇaṃ bhrāntacetasam | rājānaṃ mātaraṃ caiva dadarśānugatau pathi ||

Translation

Glancing back, Rāma saw the king and his mother following along the road—dejected and with minds thrown into turmoil.

Context

When Rama glanced back, he saw his mother and father trailing behind him on the highway, with an agitated and dejected mind.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Kausalyā (implied: “mātā” of Rāma)
• road/path (pathi)

FAQs

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

The verse brings forward the dharmic conflict between personal compassion and duty-bound action: Rāma recognizes his parents’ suffering yet must continue to uphold truth and the accepted order.

What is the narrative situation?

During the departure, Rāma turns back and notices his parents following him on the road, emotionally shaken.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s empathy and awareness—he does not ignore their pain, even while remaining committed to his vow.