Shloka 2.63.20

दशरथस्य शोकानुचिन्तनं शब्धवेधि-दोषस्मरणं च (Daśaratha’s grief, karmic reflection, and the remembered ‘śabdavedhī’ misdeed)

Devanagari script

आकुलारुण तोयानि स्रोतांसि विमलान्यपि।उन्मार्गजलवाहिनी बभूवुर्जलदागमे।।2.63.20।।

Transliteration

ākulāruṇa-toyāni srotāṃsi vimalāny api | unmārga-jala-vāhinī babhūvur jaladāgame || 2.63.20 ||

Translation

At the coming of the rain-clouds, even clear streams became turbid and red with disturbed soil, carrying water off-course in irregular channels.

Context

The streams that were pure, mixed with red soil flowed red, deviating from their natural course.

Characters & Entities

• Streams (srotas)
• Rain-clouds/monsoon (jalada)

FAQs

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

Dharma is staying ‘on the right course’: when forces disturb clarity, one must guard against deviation—an image for moral drift under passion or haste.

What is the narrative situation?

With monsoon rains, streams turn reddish and overflow, running in altered directions rather than their usual channels.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (indriya-nigraha): without it, like waters leaving their course, a person can be driven into harmful actions.