Shloka 2.59.35

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

ubhābhyāṁ rājaputrābhyām atha kṛtvāham añjalim | prasthito ratham āsthāya tadduḥkham api dhārayan || 2.59.6 ||

Translation

Then, having saluted both princes with folded hands, I mounted the chariot and set out—holding my grief in check.

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
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Chariot (ratha)

FAQs

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

The verse teaches dharma as disciplined conduct: one must perform one’s duty with respect and restraint, even when the heart is overwhelmed by sorrow.

What is the narrative situation?

After accompanying the exiled princes, Sumantra formally pays reverence and begins the return journey to Ayodhyā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s composure and propriety are emphasized—he honors the princes and controls grief to carry out his assigned responsibility.