Shloka 2.59.34

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

Devanagari script

रामशोकमहाभोगस्सीताविरहपारगः।श्वसितोर्मि महावर्तो बाष्पफेनजालाविलः।।2.59.33।।बाहुविक्षेपमीनौघो विक्रन्दित महास्वनः।प्रकीर्णकेशशैवालः कैकेयीबडबामुखः।।2.59.34।।ममाश्रुवेगप्रभवः कुब्जावाक्यमहाग्रहः।वरवेलो नृशंसाया रामप्रव्राजनायतः।।2.59.35।।यस्मिन्बत निमग्नोऽहं कौसल्ये राघवं विना।दुस्तरो जीवता देवि मयाऽयं शोकसागरः।।2.59.36।।

Transliteration

mama tv aśvā nivṛttasya na prāvartanta vartmani | uṣṇam aśru pramuñcanto rāme samprasthite vanam || 2.59.5 ||

Translation

When Rāma had set out for the forest and I turned back, my horses would not move on the road—shedding hot tears.

Context

O queen Kausalya, I am completely immersed in this ocean of sorrow. The misfortune due to Rama's separation is its breadth. Sita's separation is the other end of the shore. Sighs are its turbulent waves and whirlpools. Tears are its foam and turbid waters. Waving of arms is its fishes. Cries of agony are its roars. My dishevelled hair is its moss. Kaikeyi is the mouth of Badaba. My copious tears are its source. Words of the hunchback (Manthara) are the monstrous crocodiles. The cruel boons to Kaikeyi are its shores. Without Rama I cannot cross this sea of sorrow alive. Ah, what a pity

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Forest (vana)
• Sumantra’s horses

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown through universal empathy for righteousness: even animals respond to the injustice-like pain of separation, underscoring that moral upheaval affects the whole order of life.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra is returning after escorting Rāma; the horses resist the return journey, as if mourning Rāma’s exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse emphasizes tenderness and loyalty—an atmosphere of devotion to Rāma so strong that even the horses appear grief-stricken.