Shloka 2.43.20

कौशल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and the Vision of Rama’s Return

Devanagari script

न हि मे जीविते किञ्चित्सामर्थ्यमिह कल्प्यते।अपश्यन्त्याः प्रियं पुत्रं महाबाहुं महाबलम्।।।।

Transliteration

gajarājagatir vīro mahābāhur dhanurdharaḥ |

vanam āviśate nūnaṃ sabhāryaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ ||

Translation

My heroic son—mighty-armed, a bearer of the bow, moving with the gait of an elephant-king—must surely now be entering the forest, with his wife Sītā and with Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

Without seeing my beloved son, long-armed and mighty, I have but little strength to live in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita
• Lakshmana
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds dharma as steadfast acceptance of duty: Rama proceeds to exile without rebellion, and his family’s solidarity (Sita and Lakshmana accompanying him) reflects loyalty aligned with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalya visualizes Rama’s departure into the forest, emphasizing his noble bearing and the fact that Sita and Lakshmana accompany him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s heroic composure and Lakshmana’s devotion; also Sita’s fidelity in choosing to share Rama’s hardship.