Shloka 2.47.2

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

Devanagari script

शोकजाश्रुपरिद्यूना वीक्षमाणास्ततस्ततः।आलोकमपि रामस्य न पश्यन्ति स्म दुःखिताः।।।।

Transliteration

dhig astu khalu nidrāṃ tāṃ yayā ’pahṛtacetasaḥ | na adya paśyāmahe rāmaṃ pṛthūraskaṃ mahābhujam ||

Translation

Shame on that sleep by which our senses were stolen away—today we cannot see Rāma, broad-chested and mighty-armed.

Context

Anguished and drenched with tears of grief they looked hither and thither but could not find even a trace of Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ayodhyā (implied)

FAQs

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

It warns against negligence: failing in vigilance can lead to irreversible loss, especially when one’s duty is to uphold and support dhārmic order.

What is the narrative situation?

The citizens reproach their own sleep/heedlessness as they realize Rāma has gone and they can no longer see him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s heroic strength is highlighted (broad-chested, mighty-armed), underscoring why his absence feels unbearable.