Shloka 2.48.31
अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)
पूर्णचन्द्रानन श्श्यामो गूढजत्रुररिन्दमः।आजानुबाहुः पद्माक्षो रामो लक्ष्मणपूर्वजः।।2.48.29।।पूर्वाभिभाषी मधुर स्सत्यवादी महाबलः।सौम्यस्सर्वस्य लोकस्य चन्द्रवत्प्रियदर्शनः।।2.48.30।।नूनं पुरुषशार्दूलो मत्तमातङ्गविक्रमः।शोभयिष्यत्यरण्यानि विचरन् स महारथः।।2.48.31।।
nūnaṃ puruṣaśārdūlo mattamātaṅgavikramaḥ |
śobhayiṣyaty araṇyāni vicaran sa mahārathaḥ || 2.48.31 ||
Surely that great charioteer—tiger among men, with the prowess of an intoxicated elephant—will lend beauty even to the forests as he roams there.
Rama, elder brother to Lakshmana is a tiger among men, a subduer of enemies, powerful like an intoxicated elephant, and a great charioteer. Blue in complexion, he has a face like the full Moon. He has lotuslike eyes, kneelong arms and fleshy clavicles. Endowed with a sweet nature, he always speaks the truth and the first to speak to others. When he roams the forest, charming like the Moon and pleasing to the whole world, he will surely make it look graceful.
Dharma can sanctify hardship: a righteous person’s presence transforms even exile into a space of dignity, restraint, and moral radiance.
Citizens imagine Rāma in the wilderness, asserting that his greatness will not diminish even in forests.
Steadfast excellence under adversity—power disciplined by purpose, suggesting that true nobility persists beyond comfort and status.