Shloka 2.48.20

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

को न्वनेनाऽप्रतीतेन सोत्कण्ठितजनेन च।सम्प्रियेतामनोज्ञेन वासेन हृतचेतसा।।2.48.20।।

Transliteration

ko nv anenāpratītena sotkaṇṭhita-janena ca |

sampriyetāmanojñena vāsena hṛta-cetasā || 2.48.20 ||

Translation

With people choking in grief, and with life here rendered joyless and unbearable—whose mind, seized by distress, could possibly take pleasure in living in such a place?

Context

The people here are choked with grief. Who will like to stay here where life is disagreeable, cheerless, full of despondency and distress?

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya (implied)
• Citizens (jana)

FAQs

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

A community’s moral life depends on dharmic order and rightful governance; when that order is disturbed, even one’s homeland can feel unfit to inhabit.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s departure, Ayodhya’s people describe the city as cheerless and psychologically unlivable due to collective grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, Rāma’s dharmic presence—his absence makes the city feel devoid of joy and stability.