Shloka 2.53.29
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
ध्रुवमद्य पुरी राजन्नयोध्यायुधिनां वर।निष्प्रभा त्वयि निष्क्रान्ते गतचन्द्रेव शर्वरी।।।।
dhruvam adya purī rājan ayodhyāyudhināṃ vara | niṣprabhā tvayi niṣkrānte gatacandreva śarvarī ||
O King—best among weapon-bearers—surely today the city of Ayodhyā, since you have departed, is without splendor like a night bereft of the moon.
O Rama, foremost of warriors, it is certain that since your departure, the city of Ayodhya must be lustreless like night without the Moon.
A righteous ruler is the ‘light’ of the kingdom; dharma in kingship is not mere power but the sustaining presence of virtue for society.
Lakṣmaṇa reassures and elevates Rāma by describing Ayodhyā’s loss of brilliance after his exile.
Recognition of rightful kingship and steadfast devotion—Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering affirmation of Rāma’s worth.