Shloka 2.40.45

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।।2.40.44।।रामलक्ष्मणसीतार्थं स्रवन्तीं वारि नेत्रजम्। असकृत्प्रैक्षत तदा नृत्यन्तीमिव मातरम्।।2.40.45।।

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

This verse repeats the same reading: Kauśalyā wept and ran after the chariot, crying out for Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, shedding tears in anguish, and Rāma repeatedly looked back at her.

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 was twisting and bending as if in a dancing pose.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Even when duty compels departure, dharma requires acknowledging and honoring parental bonds; Rāma’s repeated glance signifies respect and empathy.

What is the narrative situation?

A repeated/parallel transmission of the scene where Kauśalyā runs after the chariot crying out; Rāma looks back repeatedly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Filial piety (pitṛ-mātṛ-bhakti) expressed through attentive compassion.