Shloka 2.40.44

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

Devanagari script

तथा रुदन्तीं कौसल्यां रथं तमनुधावतीम्।क्रोशन्तीं राम रामेति हा सीते लक्ष्मणेति च।।।।रामलक्ष्मणसीतार्थं स्रवन्तीं वारि नेत्रजम्।असकृत्प्रैक्षत तदा नृत्यन्तीमिव मातरम्।।।।

Transliteration

tathā rudantīṃ kausalyāṃ rathaṃ tam anudhāvatīm |

krośantīṃ rāma rāmēti hā sīte lakṣmaṇēti ca ||

rāmalakṣmaṇasītārthaṃ sravantīṃ vāri netrajam |

asakṛt praikṣata tadā nṛtyantīm iva mātaram ||

Translation

As Kauśalyā wept and ran after that chariot, crying, “Rāma, Rāma! Alas, Sītā! Lakṣmaṇa!” and shedding tears from her eyes for Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā, Rāma again and again looked back at his mother, who in her anguish reeled as though she were dancing.

Context

While Kausalya was weeping and running after the chariot, crying O 'Rama, O Sita, O Lakshmana, shedding tears for them, Rama repeatedly glanced at her who wastwisting and bending as if in a dancing pose.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• chariot (ratha)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as relational responsibility: even while following satya (truth/pledge) and duty, Rāma remains emotionally accountable—he repeatedly looks back, acknowledging his mother’s suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Kauśalyā runs behind the departing chariot, calling out to Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa; Rāma keeps glancing back at her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dayā (tender compassion) and filial sensitivity (mātuḥ-śuśrūṣā-bhāva), even amid unavoidable separation.