Shloka 2.64.74

शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः (The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death)

Devanagari script

चित्तनाशाद्विपद्यन्ते सर्वाण्येन्द्रियाणि मे।क्षीणस्नेहस्य दीपस्य संसक्ता रश्मयो यथा।।।।

Transliteration

cittanāśād vipadyante sarvāṇīndriyāṇi me | kṣīṇasnehasya dīpasya saṃsaktā raśmayo yathā ||

Translation

With the collapse of my mind, all my senses are failing—like the rays of a lamp that fade together when its oil is exhausted.

Context

With the loss of my mental faculty, all the sense organs are giving way, like the rays of the lamp giving way together when the oil is exhausted.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

It underscores the fragility of embodied life: when inner steadiness (citta) collapses under sorrow, the senses also fail. Dharma here is the recognition of impermanence and the need for inner discipline to withstand suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha is overwhelmed after Rāma’s exile; his grief intensifies into physical and mental collapse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tragic honesty and emotional transparency: Daśaratha does not mask his decline; he speaks truthfully about his failing strength.