Shloka 2.57.26
सप्तपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Sumantra’s Return to Ayodhya and the Palace’s Lament
स तूष्णीमेव तच्छ्रुत्वा राजा विभ्रान्तचेतनः।मूर्छितो न्यपतद्भूमौ रामशोकाभिपीडितः।।।।
sa tūṣṇīm eva tac chrutvā rājā vibhrāntacetanaḥ | mūrchito nyapatad bhūmau rāmaśokābhipīḍitaḥ ||
Hearing those words, the king remained silent; his mind reeled, and, crushed by grief for Rama, he fainted and fell upon the ground.
The king silently listened to Rama's message. Bewildered and tormented by the grief of Rama's absence, he fell down on the ground in a swoon.
The verse highlights the human cost that follows adharma-adjacent decisions and broken inner balance: Dasharatha’s collapse reflects how unrighteous actions and compelled promises can devastate family and ruler alike.
Dasharatha hears Sumantra’s report about Rama and is overwhelmed by sorrow, losing consciousness.
Dasharatha’s deep affection for Rama—though here it appears as vulnerability and suffering rather than strength.