Shloka 2.40.43

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

Devanagari script

प्रत्यगारमिवायान्ती वत्सला वत्सकारणात्।बद्धवत्सा यथा धेनू राममाताभ्यधावत।।।।

Transliteration

pratyagāram ivāyāntī vatsalā vatsakāraṇāt |

baddhavatsā yathā dhenū rāmamātābhyadhāvata ||

Translation

Rāma’s mother ran after him—like an affectionate cow whose calf is tied, hurrying toward the cowshed for the calf’s sake.

Context

Rama's mother ran after the chariot, like an affectionate cow running towards the shed to join its fastened calf.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse highlights familial dharma and natural affection: a mother’s protective love is portrayed as instinctive and morally dignified, not a weakness.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā, unable to bear separation, runs after Rāma’s chariot as he leaves for exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vātsalya (maternal affection) and ananya-prema (single-minded love).