Shloka 2.48.25

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

उपद्रुतमिदं सर्वमनालम्बमनायकम्।कैकेय्या हि कृते सर्वं विनाशमुपयास्यति।।2.48.25।।

Transliteration

upadrutam idaṁ sarvam anālambam anāyakam |

kaikeyyā hi kṛte sarvaṁ vināśam upayāsyati || 2.48.25 ||

Translation

This entire realm is struck by calamity—without support and without a true leader; for Kaikeyī’s sake, all of it is bound to move toward ruin.

Context

The entire kingdom, for the sake of Kaikeyi, is under a great calamity. With no support or leader it will definitely go to ruin.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Kingdom/realm (implied)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires stable, rightful leadership; removing a dharmic heir destabilizes society and is depicted as leading to collective harm.

What is the narrative situation?

With Rāma exiled and Daśaratha emotionally shattered, the citizens foresee a leaderless Ayodhya sliding into disorder.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The necessity of responsible leadership—implied praise of Rāma’s capacity to be the kingdom’s support (ālamba).