Shloka 2.47.4

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

Devanagari script

धिगस्तु खलु निद्रां तां ययाऽपहृतचेतसः।नाद्य पश्यामहे रामं पृथूरस्कं महाभुजम्।।।।

Transliteration

yo naḥ sadā pālayati pitā putrān ivaurasān | kathaṃ raghūṇāṃ sa śreṣṭhas tyaktvā no vipinaṃ gataḥ ||

Translation

He who ever protected us, as a father guards his own true-born sons—how could the best of the Raghus forsake us and go to the forest?

Context

Fie on this sleep which robbed us of our senses. We are unable to see (now) that broad-chested and mighty-armed Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Raghu dynasty (Raghūṇām)
• Forest (vipina)
• Ayodhyā (implied)

FAQs

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

It underscores rājadharma: the ruler’s duty is protective care, likened to a father’s duty toward children.

What is the narrative situation?

Citizens recall Rāma’s protective nature and cannot comprehend his forest-exile departure.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s guardianship and benevolence—treating subjects with familial responsibility.