Shloka 2.57.9

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

Devanagari script

सुमन्त्रमभियान्तं तं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः।क्व राम इति पृच्छन्तस्सूतमभ्यद्रवन्नराः।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ tam antaḥpura-nādam utthitaṁ samīkṣya vṛddhās taruṇāś ca mānavāḥ |

striyaś ca sarvā ruruduḥ samantataḥ puraṁ tad āsīt punar eva saṅkulam ||

Translation

Then, seeing that cry rising from the women’s quarters, the people—old and young—and all the women wailed on every side; and the city once again became crowded with those gathering in distress.

Context

Meanwhile as the charioteer was moving towards the city, hundreds and thousands of men came pouring towards him enquiring, 'Where is Rama?'

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• Antaḥpura (inner apartments)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores dharma as shared human responsibility: grief is collectively carried, and society responds together when the royal household suffers due to truth-bound events.

What is the narrative situation?

A cry arises from the inner quarters; hearing/recognizing it, the populace gathers and laments, and the city fills with people again.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Solidarity and compassion—people across age and gender respond together to suffering.