Shloka 2.57.15

सप्तपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Sumantra’s Return to Ayodhya and the Palace’s Lament

Devanagari script

वातायनगतानां च स्त्रीणामन्वन्तरापणम्।रामशोकाभितप्तानां शुश्राव परिदेवनम्।।।।

Transliteration

vātāyana-gatānāṃ ca strīṇām anv-antarāpaṇam | rāma-śokābhitaptānāṃ śuśrāva paridevanam ||

Translation

He heard the lamentations—of women at the windows and of those in the market-streets—burning with grief over Rāma.

Context

(He) heard wailings of women looking through the window and of the people in market-places burning with sorrow over Rama's exile.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• women of Ayodhyā
• market-stalls (āpaṇa)

FAQs

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

Dharma’s emotional ecology: the exile of the righteous causes widespread social pain, revealing how moral leadership nurtures collective security and hope.

What is the narrative situation?

As the escort returns, the narration depicts Ayodhyā’s pervasive mourning—heard from homes and marketplaces alike.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s belovedness rooted in virtue: the intensity of grief indicates trust in his integrity and protective care.