Shloka 2.40.40

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

Devanagari script

स बद्ध इव पाशेन किशोरो मातरं यथा।धर्मपाशेन सङ्क्षिप्तः प्रकाशं नाभ्युदैक्षत।।।।

Transliteration

sa baddha iva pāśena kiśoro mātaraṃ yathā | dharmapāśena saṅkṣiptaḥ prakāśaṃ nābhyudaikṣata ||

Translation

As a young foal bound by a rope cannot clearly behold its mother, so Rāma—held back by the cord of dharma—could not look upon his parents plainly.

Context

Like a fastened foal cannot see its mother, Rama restrained by bonds of duty could not see his parents clearly.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• dharma (as binding principle)
• parents of Rāma (Daśaratha and Kausalyā, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as a binding force that restrains personal impulse. Rāma’s adherence to truth and duty limits even natural emotional responses, showing moral discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma proceeds into exile, he is emotionally constrained; he cannot openly look at his grieving parents, being “bound” by duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s self-control (saṃyama) and unwavering commitment to dharma, even when it intensifies personal sorrow.