Shloka 2.42.12

द्विचत्वारिंशः सर्गः — दशरथस्य शोक-विलापः तथा कौशल्यागृह-प्रवेशः (Dasaratha’s Lament and Return to Kausalya’s Apartments)

Devanagari script

निवृत्त्यैव निवृत्त्यैव सीदतो रथवर्त्मसु।राज्ञो नातिबभौ रूपं ग्रस्तस्यांशुमतो यथा।।।।

Transliteration

nivṛttyaiva nivṛttyaiva sīdato rathavartmasu | rājño nātibabhau rūpaṃ grastasyāṃśumato yathā ||

Translation

Turning back again and again toward the chariot-tracks, the grieving king’s face no longer shone—like the Sun when it is swallowed in eclipse.

Context

Turning back again and again at the trail of (Rama's) chariot, the grieving king appeared lustreless like the Sun in eclipse.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Sun (Āṃśumān)

FAQs

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

It underscores the human cost of dharmic duty: even when righteousness is pursued (Rāma’s exile), elders who uphold order may still suffer grief; Dharma does not erase sorrow, but asks one to endure it without abandoning propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha follows and repeatedly turns back toward the tracks of Rāma’s departing chariot; his face loses its radiance like an eclipsed sun.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s deep parental attachment and emotional truthfulness—his love is shown without concealment, even as kingship demands composure.