Shloka 2.62.15

अयोध्याकाण्डे द्विषष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā consoles Daśaratha; grief, remorse, and nightfall

Devanagari script

शोको नाशयते धैर्यं शोको नाशयते श्रुतम्।शोको नाशयते सर्वं नास्ति शोकसमो रिपुः।।।।

Transliteration

śoko nāśayate dhairyaṃ śoko nāśayate śrutam | śoko nāśayate sarvaṃ nāsti śoka-samo ripuḥ || 2.62.15 ||

Translation

Grief destroys fortitude; grief destroys sacred learning; grief destroys everything—there is no enemy equal to grief.

Context

Grief destroys fortitude. Grief destroys knowledge of the scriptures, grief destroys everything. There is no enemy equal to grief.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalya
• Dasharatha
• Śoka (grief)

FAQs

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

It warns that unchecked grief undermines dharma by eroding patience, discernment, and right conduct; therefore, inner governance is essential to righteous living.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalya explains how her sorrow led to harsh speech, generalizing that grief is the greatest enemy because it ruins one’s virtues.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue emphasized is dhairya (steadfastness); the verse frames it as a key quality that must be protected against grief.