Shloka 2.46.19

तमसातीरवासः — Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens

Devanagari script

अस्मद्व्यपेक्षान् सौमित्रे निरपेक्षान् गृहेष्वपि।वृक्षमूलेषु संसुप्तान् पश्य लक्ष्मण साम्प्रतम्।।2.46.19।।

Transliteration

asmad-vyapekṣān saumitre nirapekṣān gṛheṣv api | vṛkṣa-mūleṣu saṁsuptān paśya lakṣmaṇa sāmpratam ||2.46.19||

Translation

O Saumitri, look now, Lakshmana—these people, out of concern for us, have become indifferent even to their homes and lie asleep at the roots of trees.

Context

O Lakshmana, son of Sumitra! look at these people, fast alseep under the trees. Out of affection for us, they are even indifferent to their home.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana (Saumitri)
• citizens/subjects (paurāḥ implied by context)
• trees

FAQs

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

Dharma of empathy and royal responsibility: Rama recognizes the citizens’ hardship and loyalty, implying a ruler must not ignore the suffering people endure on his account.

What is the narrative situation?

At dawn near the Tamasa, Rama points out to Lakshmana that the followers have slept outdoors under trees because of their attachment to him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate awareness: Rama’s sensitivity to the people’s sacrifices.