Shloka 2.59.20

एकोनषष्ठितमः सर्गः (Sarga 59): सुमन्त्रवाक्यं, अयोध्याविषादः, दाशरथिशोकसागरः

Devanagari script

अप्रहृष्टमनुष्या च दीननागतुरङ्गमा।आर्तस्वरपरिम्लाना विनिश्श्वसितनिस्स्वना।।2.59.19।।निरानन्दा महाराज रामप्रव्राजनातुरा।कौसल्या पुत्रहीनेव अयोध्या प्रतिभाति मा।।2.59.20।।

Transliteration

nirānandā mahārāja rāma-pravrājanāturā |

kausalyā putra-hīneva ayodhyā pratibhāti mā ||2.59.20||

Translation

O great king, joyless and stricken by Rama’s banishment, Ayodhya appears to me like Kausalya herself—bereft of her son.

Context

O maharaja, Ayodhya is filled with cheerless people with deep sighs, agonised voices and pale faces depressed and distressed due to Rama's exile. (Even) elephants and horses look spiritless. For me it (the city) resembles (dejected) Kausalya deprived of her son.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya
• Rama
• Daśaratha (addressed as mahārāja)
• Kausalyā

FAQs

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

Dharma underscores the duty of rulers to protect the moral and emotional welfare of the realm; unjust exile of the righteous harms the entire ‘body’ of the kingdom.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra concludes his description by comparing the city’s desolation to Kausalyā’s personal bereavement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s maternal devotion and Rama’s irreplaceable place in the hearts of both family and city.