Shloka 2.47.12

अयोध्यायाः पौरविलापः (Lament of the Citizens of Ayodhya on Rama’s Absence)

Devanagari script

इतीव बहुधा वाचो बाहुमुद्यम्य ते जनाः।विलपन्ति स्म दुःखार्ता विवत्सा इव धेनवः।।।।

Transliteration

itīva bahudhā vāco bāhum udyamya te janāḥ | vilapanti sma duḥkhārtā vivatsā iva dhenavaḥ || 2.47.12 ||

Translation

Speaking in many ways and raising their arms, those people, tormented by sorrow, lamented like cows bereft of their calves.

Context

All of them with grief distressed, and with their arms thrown up lamented like cows deprived of their calves.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya citizens

FAQs

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

The verse highlights righteous attachment: the people’s grief is not mere sentiment but a response to the loss of a dhārmic protector, revealing the ethical bond between society and virtue.

What is the narrative situation?

The citizens express intense grief through cries and gestures after failing to remain with Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The people’s devotion and sincerity—an uncalculated love for righteousness embodied in Rama.