Shloka 2.48.3

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

स्वं स्वं निलयमागम्य पुत्रदारैस्समावृता।अश्रूणि मुमुचुस्सर्वे बाष्पेण पिहिताननाः।।2.48.3।।

Transliteration

pūrṇacandrānanaḥ śyāmo gūḍhajatrur arindamaḥ |

ājānubāhuḥ padmākṣo rāmo lakṣmaṇapūrvajaḥ || 2.48.29 ||

Translation

Rāma—elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa—dark-hued, with a face like the full moon; broad-shouldered, a subduer of foes, lotus-eyed, and long-armed down to the knees.

Context

The subjects reached their respective homes and surrounded by their sons and wives broke down their faces flooded with tears.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is associated with an ideal ruler: outward excellence here functions as a cultural marker of inner fitness for protection and righteous governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Citizens describe Rāma’s qualities while mourning his exile, contrasting his worthiness with the injustice of his removal.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s heroic capability and kingly suitability—strength restrained by righteousness, suggesting he is naturally fit to uphold dharma.