Shloka 2.65.1

अयोध्याकाण्डे पञ्चषष्टितमः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Death Discovered in the Palace (Morning Rites Turn to Lament)

Devanagari script

अथ रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां प्रातरेवापरेऽहनि।वन्दिनः पर्युपातिष्ठंस्तत्पार्थिव निवेशनम्।।।।सूताः परमसंस्कारा मङ्गलाश्चोत्तमश्रुताः।गायका: स्तुतिशीलाश्च निगदन्तः पृथक् पृथक्।।।।

Transliteration

atha rātryāṃ vyatītāyāṃ prātarevāpare 'hani | vandinaḥ paryupātiṣṭhaṃs tat pārthiva-niveśanam || sūtāḥ paramasaṃskārā maṅgalāś cottamaśrutāḥ | gāyakāḥ stutiśīlāś ca nigadantaḥ pṛthak pṛthak ||

Translation

When that night had passed, early in the morning of the next day, panegyrists came to the king’s residence. Genealogists—highly accomplished and learned in auspicious lore—and singers skilled in praise arrived one after another, each proclaiming benedictions aloud.

Context

Then on the following day (unaware of Dasaratha's death) panegyrists uttering benedictions, highly accomplished bards and genealogists proficient in reciting auspicious words, singers versed in musical science reached the palace one after another eulogising the king's glory.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (implied as the king)
• Ayodhyā palace (pārthiva-niveśana)
• Vandins (panegyrists)
• Sūtas (genealogists/bards)
• Gāyakas (singers)

FAQs

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

It depicts rājadhrama as ordered public life: the court’s daily rites and words of auspiciousness continue by custom, showing how social institutions run on discipline—even when truth (the king’s death) is not yet known.

What is the narrative situation?

The morning after Daśaratha’s death, court bards arrive as usual, unaware of what has happened in the inner chambers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Professional duty and ritual consistency: the court functionaries uphold their role of praise and auspicious recitation.