Shloka 2.46.22

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

Devanagari script

अतो भूयोऽपि नेदानीमिक्ष्वाकुपुरवासिनः।स्वपेयुरनुरक्ता मां वृक्षमूलानि संश्रिताः।।2.46.22।।

Transliteration

ato bhūyo 'pi na idānīm ikṣvāku-pura-vāsinaḥ |

svapeyur anuraktā mām vṛkṣa-mūlāni saṁśritāḥ ||2.46.22||

Translation

Therefore the devoted people of Ikṣvāku’s city, who out of love for me have taken shelter at the roots of trees, would not sleep again tonight.

Context

These loyal inhabitants of Ayodhya, the city of the Ikshvakus will no more sleep again shelterd under the trees.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Ayodhya (Ikṣvāku-pura)
• citizens (paura/ikṣvākupuravāsinaḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsibility toward the community: Rama considers the emotional and physical hardship of the citizens and seeks to reduce their suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama anticipates that if he delays, the citizens—already keeping vigil outdoors—will continue to grieve and remain sleepless.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and public-mindedness—Rama’s awareness of how his actions affect the wider populace.