Shloka 2.58.36

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

उद्वीक्षमाणा भर्तारं मुखेन परिशुष्यता।मुमोच सहसा बाष्पं मां प्रयान्तमुदीक्ष्य सा।।।।

Transliteration

sarvaprajābhirāmaṃ hi rāmaṃ pravrājya dhārmikam |

sarvalokaṃ virudhyemaṃ kathaṃ rājā bhaviṣyasi ||

Translation

Having exiled righteous Rama—who delights all subjects—and thus setting yourself against the whole world, how will you still be a king?

Context

When she saw me leaving, she looked at her husband with a dry (pale) face and suddenly burst into tears.

Characters & Entities

• Dasharatha
• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Praja (subjects)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: kingship is not mere power but moral alignment with dharma and the people’s welfare; violating it voids true sovereignty.

What is the narrative situation?

A moral challenge is posed to the king: exile of Rama risks total loss of popular and ethical legitimacy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s righteousness and popularity; Lakshmana’s insistence on ethical governance.