Shloka 2.48.37

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

प्रशान्तगीतोत्सवनृत्तवादनाव्यपास्तहर्षा पिहितापणोदया।तदा ह्ययोध्या नगरी बभूव सामहार्णव स्सङ्क्षपितोदको यथा।।2.48.37।।

Transliteration

praśānta-gītotsava-nṛtta-vādana-vyapāsta-harṣā pihitāpaṇodayā |

tadā hy ayodhyā nagarī babhūva sā mahārṇavaḥ saṅkṣipitodako yathā ||2.48.37||

Translation

With songs, festivals, dance, and instrumental music stilled, joy driven out, and the market-stalls shut, the city of Ayodhyā then appeared like the great ocean when its waters have receded.

Context

With the cessation of singing, celebrations, dance and music, there was no rejoicing in the city. The markets displaying merchandise were shut down. The city of Ayodhya looked like the ocean with its waters diminished.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē aṣṭacatvāriśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the fortyeighth sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• mahārṇava (ocean)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights how a righteous leader’s presence sustains social harmony; when Rāma—an embodiment of dharma—is absent, public life loses its order and joy, showing the ethical link between personal virtue and collective wellbeing.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s departure toward exile, Ayodhyā falls into a citywide hush: celebrations stop, commerce closes, and the capital looks drained and lifeless.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s dhārmic stature is implied: his integrity and rightful conduct are so central that his absence alone causes the city’s morale and normal rhythms to collapse.