Shloka 2.57.19

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

Devanagari script

आयतैर्विमलैर्नेत्रैरश्रुवेगपरिप्लुतैः।अन्योन्यमभिवीक्षन्तेऽव्यक्तमार्ततराः स्त्रियः।।।।

Transliteration

āyataiḥ vimalair netrair aśruvega-pariplutaiḥ |

anyonyam abhivīkṣante 'vyaktam ārtatarāḥ striyaḥ ||

Translation

The women, in even deeper anguish, looked at one another in silence, their large clear eyes flooded by the rush of tears.

Context

The women in great anguish stood silently looking at one another, their large eyesflooded with overflowing tears.

Characters & Entities

• women of the palace
• Rāma (implied by context)

FAQs

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

It highlights empathetic restraint: grief is shared without disorderly speech, reflecting decorum (maryādā) even amid suffering caused by a dharmic decision.

What is the narrative situation?

The palace women silently register the reality of Rāma’s absence, communicating sorrow through looks and tears.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control and solidarity: their quiet mutual gaze shows shared endurance rather than agitation.