Shloka 2.47.9

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

Devanagari script

किं वक्ष्यामो महाबाहुरनसूयः प्रियंवदः।नीत स्स राघवोऽस्माभिरिति वक्तुं कथं क्षमम्।।।।

Transliteration

te tāni veśmāni mahādhanāni duḥkhena duḥkhopahatā viśantaḥ | naiva prajajñuḥ svajanaṃ janaṃ vā nirīkṣamāṇāḥ pravinaṣṭaharṣāḥ ||

Translation

With great difficulty, stricken by sorrow, they entered those wealthy homes; their joy destroyed, even while looking upon their own kin or other people, they could recognize no one.

Context

What shall we say (to the people)? How can we say, 'We have conducted him (to the forest), that scion of the Raghus, that mighty-armed Rama, who is of gentle speech and free from malice?

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā (implied)
• Citizens/householders (implied)
• Rāma (implied cause of grief)

FAQs

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

It implies that dharma is not merely private; when public righteousness is disrupted, even ordinary social bonds and recognition can fracture.

What is the narrative situation?

After returning, citizens enter their homes in deep sorrow and, in shock, fail to recognize even familiar faces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s significance as the city’s moral and emotional anchor is emphasized indirectly—his absence destabilizes normal life.