Shloka 2.46.4

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

Devanagari script

अद्यायोध्या तु नगरी राजधानी पितुर्मम।सस्त्रीपुंसा गतानस्माञ्शोचिष्यति न संशयः।।2.46.4।।

Transliteration

mohanārthaṃ tu paurāṇāṃ sūtaṃ rāmo 'bravīd vacaḥ | udaṅmukhaḥ prayāhi tvaṃ ratham āsthāya sārathe ||2.46.30||

Translation

To mislead the citizens, Rama spoke to the charioteer: “O charioteer, mount the chariot and proceed facing north.”

Context

There is no doubt that now the men and women of Ayodhya, father's capital city must be bewailing our departure.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sumantra
• Citizens of Ayodhya
• Chariot

FAQs

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

Dharma can involve prudent strategy to prevent greater harm: Rama seeks to reduce public unrest and emotional turmoil by avoiding a direct, visible departure.

What is the narrative situation?

During the exile departure, Rama instructs Sumantra to take a misleading route so the citizens cannot easily follow or stop them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composed foresight—Rama balances truthfulness with compassionate prudence to protect the city from further distress.