Shloka 2.47.18

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

Devanagari script

चन्द्रहीनमिवाकाशं तोयहीनमिवार्णवम्।अपश्यन्निहतानन्दं नगरं ते विचेतसः।।।।

Transliteration

śokajāśruparidyūnā vīkṣamāṇās tataḥ tataḥ | ālokam api rāmasya na paśyanti sma duḥkhitāḥ ||

Translation

Afflicted and soaked in tears born of grief, they looked here and there, yet in their anguish could not find even the slightest trace of Rāma.

Context

Plunged in grief, they saw the city deprived of all joy, looking like a sky without the Moon and an ocean without water.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ayodhyā (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as steadfast loyalty to a righteous leader; the citizens’ grief signals how deeply Rāma is associated with moral order and protection.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s departure for exile, the people of Ayodhyā search desperately but cannot find even a trace of him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s perceived virtue as a dhārmic protector is emphasized indirectly—his absence creates disorientation and sorrow among the people.