Shloka 2.62.21

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

Devanagari script

तथा प्रसादितो वाक्यैर्देव्या कौसल्यया नृपः।शोकेन च समाक्रान्तो निद्राया वशन्तोमेयिवान्।।।।

Transliteration

vanavāsāya rāmasya pañcarātro 'dya gaṇyate | yaḥ śoka-hata-harṣāyāḥ pañca-varṣopamo mama ||

Translation

Today counts as the fifth night of Rāma’s forest-exile; yet for me—whose joy has been slain by sorrow—this span feels like five years.

Context

Thus consoled by Kausalya the king, overcome with grief, came under the spell of sleep.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē dviṣaṣṭitamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the sixtysecond sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Vana (forest exile)

FAQs

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

It underscores fidelity and familial dharma: love and duty make separation painful, and acknowledging that pain is part of truthful living (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā marks the passing days since Rāma’s departure and reveals how grief distorts time.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maternal devotion (vātsalya) and steadfast attachment to righteousness through love for Rāma.