Shloka 2.47.16

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

Devanagari script

आलोक्य नगरीं तां च क्षयव्याकुलमानसाः।आवर्तयन्त तेऽश्रूणि नयनैः शोकपीडितैः।।।।

Transliteration

ālोकya nagarīṃ tāṃ ca kṣaya-vyākula-mānasāḥ | āvartayanta te ’śrūṇi nayanaiḥ śoka-pīḍitaiḥ || 2.47.16 ||

Translation

Seeing that city, their minds unsettled by the loss, they shed tears with eyes tormented by sorrow.

Context

On seeing the city the minds of the people were agitated due to the loss (of their prince). Tears streamed down their eyes, oppressed with sorrow.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya
• Ayodhya citizens

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the moral cost of separation from righteousness: grief arises when society feels deprived of a just presence; it teaches the value of dhārmic leadership for communal well-being.

What is the narrative situation?

Upon reaching Ayodhya and seeing it again, the citizens’ sorrow intensifies and they weep.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Emotional truthfulness (satya in feeling): their tears are an honest response to loss, not performative.