Shloka 2.47.17

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

Devanagari script

एषा रामेण नगरी रहिता नातिशोभते।आपगा गरुडेनेव ह्रदादुद्धृतपन्नगा।।।।

Transliteration

eṣā rāmeṇa nagarī rahitā nātiśobhate | āpagā garuḍeneva hradād uddhṛta-pannagā || 2.47.17 ||

Translation

This city, bereft of Rama, does not shine; like a river from whose depths Garuḍa has lifted away the serpents.

Context

This city without Rama just as a river with serpents lifted away by Garuda from its depths looks no longer beautiful.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya
• Rama
• Garuda

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as a life-giving presence: Rama’s righteousness is seen as integral to the city’s vitality and order; without it, the community appears diminished.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator describes Ayodhya’s beauty fading in Rama’s absence, using a vivid simile involving Garuḍa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s sustaining moral charisma—his dhārmic presence is depicted as essential to the city’s flourishing.