Shloka 2.65.16

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

Devanagari script

कौसल्या च सुमत्रच पुत्रशोकपराजिते।प्रसुप्ते न प्रबुध्येते यथा कालसमन्विते।।।।

Transliteration

kausalyā ca sumitrā ca putraśokaparājite |

prasupte na prabudhyete yathā kālasamanvite ||

Translation

Kauśalyā and Sumitrā, overcome by grief for their sons, lay in deep sleep and did not awaken—as though seized by Death itself.

Context

Overpowered by grief on account of separation from their sons, Sumitra and Kausalya were fast asleep and did not wake up as if they were possessed by death.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Sumitrā
• Kāla (Death/Time)
• Rāma (implied as son of Kauśalyā)
• Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna (implied as sons of Sumitrā)

FAQs

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

The verse reveals the human cost when dharma-based duties (exile, obedience, kingship) collide with personal bonds; it underscores compassion toward those who suffer dharma’s harsh consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Inside the royal chambers, the queens lie in grief-stricken sleep, unaware of the king’s death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance amid sorrow—though passive here, the portrayal highlights the depth of maternal attachment and the weight of separation.