Shloka 2.40.42
प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)
न हि तत्पुरुषव्याघ्रो दुःखदं दर्शनं पितुः।मातुश्च सहितुं शक्तस्तोत्रार्दित इव द्विपः।।।।
na hi tatpuruṣavyāghro duḥkhadaṃ darśanaṃ pituḥ |
mātuś ca sahituṃ śaktaḥ totrārdita iva dvipaḥ ||
Rāma, the tiger among men, could not endure that grief-bringing sight of his father and mother—like an elephant tormented by the goad.
Rama the best among men, could not, like an elephant tormented by the goad, endure that pitiful sight of his father and mother.
Dharma is not emotional hardness; it allows righteous people to feel deep compassion. The verse validates sorrow as a natural response while still moving toward duty.
Rāma sees his parents’ suffering during his departure and is overwhelmed, unable to bear the sight.
Hṛdaya-saumya (tender-heartedness) alongside inner strength: even the ‘best of men’ is pained by others’ grief.