Shloka 2.51.20

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Guha’s Vigil and Lakṣmaṇa’s Lament (Night on the riverbank)

Devanagari script

सिद्धार्थाः पितरं वृत्तं तस्मिन्कालेऽप्युपस्थिते।प्रेतकार्येषु सर्वेषु संस्करिष्यन्ति भूमिपम्।।।।

Transliteration

siddhārthāḥ pitaraṃ vṛttaṃ tasmin kāle 'py upasthite | pretakāryeṣu sarveṣu saṃskariṣyanti bhūmipam ||

Translation

Those who, at that time, stand beside my father, the lord of the land, and perform for him all the sacred funeral rites—will have fulfilled their purpose.

Context

Those who will remain present around the king, my father, at the time of his death and perform the funeral rites have their desires fulfilled (for they could attend the king's obsequies).

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Antyeṣṭi-dharma (funerary duty): performing last rites is a sacred obligation and a final service to elders and rulers.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker anticipates the king’s death and notes who will be able to attend and complete the required obsequies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for ritual duty and acknowledgment of social-religious obligations.