Shloka 2.62.2

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

Devanagari script

चिन्तयित्वा स च नृपो मुमोह व्याकुलेन्द्रियः।अथ दीर्घीण कालेन संज्ञामाप परन्तपः।।।।

Transliteration

śakya āpatitas soḍhuṃ prahāro ripu-hastataḥ | soḍhum āpatitaś śokas susūkṣmo 'pi na śakyate ||

Translation

A sudden blow from an enemy’s hand may be endured; but sudden grief—however subtle—cannot be borne.

Context

The king (Dasaratha) tormentor of enemies, for a while, lost his consciousness, his senses bewildered. After a long time he regained his senses.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

It recognizes truthful human limits: dharma is not denial of suffering; compassion begins with admitting that inner pain can be harder than physical injury.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā speaks to Daśaratha, trying to articulate the nature of grief as he collapses under Rāma’s separation and guilt.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s empathy and emotional intelligence—she validates suffering rather than dismissing it.