Shloka 2.41.15

अयोध्यायाः शोकप्रकम्पः (Ayodhya’s Tremor of Grief and Omens)

Devanagari script

अकस्मान्नागरस्सर्वो जनो दैन्यमुपागमत्।आहारे वा विहारे वा न कश्चिदकरोन्मनः।।2.41.15।।

Transliteration

akasmān nāgaraḥ sarvo jano dainyam upāgamat | āhāre vā vihāre vā na kaścid akarod manaḥ || 2.41.15 ||

Translation

Suddenly, all the townspeople sank into misery; no one could bring their mind to food or to any enjoyment.

Context

All of a sudden the people of the city became miserable. No one was interested in eating and enjoying (life).

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya (implied by context)
• citizens (nāgarāḥ)

FAQs

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

The people’s grief reflects a dharmic bond between ruler and subjects: when a virtuous protector is removed, society experiences moral and emotional distress, underscoring the duty of leadership to uphold collective welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhya’s citizens, hearing/realizing Rama has gone to exile, lose interest in ordinary life such as eating and recreation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s belovedness and perceived protectiveness—his presence had given the people security and joy.