Shloka 2.57.18

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

Devanagari script

हर्म्यै र्विमानैः प्रासादैरवेक्ष्याथ समागतम्।हाहाकारकृता नार्यो रामदर्शनकर्शिताः।।।।

Transliteration

harmyaiḥ vimānaiḥ prāsādair avekṣyātha samāgatam |

hāhākārakṛtā nāryo rāmadarśanakarśitāḥ ||

Translation

Then women, looking down from mansions, lofty multi-storied buildings, and palaces, saw him arrive; distressed by the absence of a sight of Rāma, they cried out in lamentation.

Context

Women from mansions, seven-storied buildings and from royal palaces, sighted him and pained at not seeing Rama cried out 'Alas, Alas!'.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• women of the palace
• harmya (mansion)
• vimāna (lofty building)
• prāsāda (palace)

FAQs

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

Dharma is tied to truth and consequence: Rāma’s righteous exile produces real social sorrow, showing how adherence to dharma can entail painful sacrifice.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra’s return signals to the palace women that Rāma is not with him, triggering a collective cry of grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Devotion and love: the women’s anguish reflects deep attachment and reverence for Rāma.