Shloka 2.40.49

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

Devanagari script

न्यवर्तत जनो राज्ञो रामं कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणम्।मनसाप्यश्रुवेगैश्च न न्यवर्तत मानुषम्।।।।

Transliteration

nyavartata jano rājño rāmaṃ kṛtvā pradakṣiṇam |

manasāpy aśruvegaiś ca na nyavartata mānuṣam ||

Translation

The king’s people turned back, having reverently circumambulated Rāma—if only within their hearts; yet the human torrent of tears and the surging grief did not turn back with them.

Context

The king's men returned, with Rama circumambulated (on the plane of their minds). But from their minds they could not hold back their tears (grief).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• people of Ayodhyā

FAQs

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

Dharma includes reverence for virtue: the people honor Rāma (mentally circumambulating him) even when circumstances force physical separation—showing devotion aligned with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The citizens begin to return after following Rāma, but their grief remains overwhelming and uncontrollable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Public devotion to a righteous leader and the communal recognition of satya and dharma embodied in Rāma.