Shloka 2.50.17

गङ्गादर्शनम् तथा गुहसमागमः (Vision of the Gaṅgā and Meeting with Guha)

Devanagari script

क्वचित् स्तिमितगम्भीरां क्वचिद्वेगजलाकुलाम्।क्वचिद्गम्भीरनिर्घोषां क्वचिद्भैरवनिस्वनाम्।।2.50.17।।

Transliteration

āpṛcche tvāṃ purīśreṣṭhe kākutstha-paripālite |

daivatāni ca yāni tvāṃ pālayanti vasanti ca ||2.50.2||

Translation

I take leave of you, O Ayodhyā—the foremost of cities, protected by the Kakutstha line—and also of all the deities who dwell in you and keep watch over you.

Context

Here the Ganga runs deep but quiet, there she looks perturbed due to fast-flowing waters, here she flows with a deep groan and there with a dreadful roar.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• Kakutstha (dynasty)
• Daivatāni (city-deities)

FAQs

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

Dharma as reverence and gratitude: Rāma honors his city and its protecting deities before leaving, showing humility and acknowledgment of sacred guardianship.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is departing Ayodhyā for exile and formally takes leave of the city and its indwelling deities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humility) and kṛtajñatā (gratitude), expressed through respectful farewell and recognition of divine protection.