Shloka 2.46.30

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

Devanagari script

मोहनार्थं तु पौराणां सूतं रामोऽब्रवीद्वचः।उदङ्मुखः प्रयाहि त्वं रथमास्थाय सारथे।।2.46.30।।मुहूर्तं त्वरितं गत्वा निवर्तय रथं पुनः।यथा न विद्युः पौरा मां तथा कुरु समाहितः।।2.46.31।।

Transliteration

adyāyodhyā tu nagarī rājadhānī pitur mama | sastrīpuṃsā gatān asmāñ śociṣyati na saṃśayaḥ ||2.46.4||

Translation

There is no doubt that today Ayodhyā—my father’s capital city—will grieve for us who have departed, men and women alike.

Context

With the intention of confusing the citizens, Rama said to the charioteer, O Sumantra, having seated in the chariot proceed speedly for a while in northerly direction and again turn back the chariot. Accomplish this feat in such a manner that the citizens will not know (where we have gone).

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Ayodhya
• Dasharatha (as 'my father')

FAQs

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

Dharma here is shown as accepting personal hardship for a righteous commitment, while remaining sensitive to the suffering one’s duty may cause to society.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama is leaving Ayodhyā for forest exile; he anticipates the city’s grief at the departure of Rama, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and responsibility—Rama recognizes the emotional cost of his dharmic decision upon the citizens.