Shloka 2.65.18

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

Devanagari script

कौसल्याऽनन्तरं राज्ञस्सुमित्रा तदन्तनरम्।न स्म विभ्राजते देवी शोकाश्रुलुलितानना।।।।

Transliteration

kausalyānantaraṃ rājñaḥ sumitrā tadantaram |

na sma vibhrājate devī śokāśrululitānanā ||

Translation

By the king’s side lay Sumitrā, and next to her Kauśalyā; that queen, her face drenched and drooping with tears of grief, no longer shone with her former luster.

Context

There lay Sumitra next to Kausalya by the side of the king. Queen Kausalya's face was dull, drooping down on account of shedding tears of sorrow.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sumitrā
• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

The verse emphasizes relational dharma—family bonds and shared suffering—showing how the collapse of the king’s household order affects those closest to him.

What is the narrative situation?

The scene inside the chamber is clarified: the king lies with the queens nearby, both afflicted by sorrow and exhaustion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty and attachment within the household—remaining close even as misfortune overwhelms.