Shloka 2.47.14
अयोध्यायाः पौरविलापः (Lament of the Citizens of Ayodhya on Rama’s Absence)
रथस्य मार्गनाशेन न्यवर्तन्त मनस्विनः।किमिदं किं करिष्यामो दैवेनोपहता इति।।।।
rathasya mārga-nāśena nyavartanta manasvinaḥ | kim idaṃ kiṃ kariṣyāmo daivenopahatā iti || 2.47.14 ||
When the chariot’s track disappeared, those high-minded people turned back, saying, “What is this? Struck down by fate—what are we to do?”
When they could not find the tracks of the chariot, those high-minded people turned back and said to themselves 'What is this? We have been deceived by fate. What are we to do now?'
The verse frames a dhārmic tension: people strive to act rightly, yet acknowledge limits when events seem governed by daiva; the ethical response is to turn back without abandoning reverence for Rama.
Unable to find the chariot’s track, the citizens stop pursuing and return, lamenting their helplessness.
Nobility under distress—maintaining composure and collective decision-making even when overwhelmed.