Shloka 2.65.2

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

Devanagari script

अथ रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां प्रातरेवापरेऽहनि।वन्दिनः पर्युपातिष्ठंस्तत्पार्थिव निवेशनम्।।2.65.1।।सूताः परमसंस्कारा मङ्गलाश्चोत्तमश्रुताः।गायका: स्तुतिशीलाश्च निगदन्तः पृथक् पृथक्।।2.65.2।।

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 the next morning panegyrists came to the king’s residence. Bards and genealogists—highly accomplished and learned, speaking auspicious words—along with singers skilled in praise, arrived one after another, each reciting benedictions in turn.

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
• Ayodhyā (implied palace)
• Vandinaḥ (panegyrists)
• Sūta (bards/genealogists)
• Gāyaka (singers)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown through social duty and courtly order: those appointed to bless and praise the king arrive punctually, sustaining the kingdom’s ceremonial rhythm—even as unseen truth (satya) has already changed everything.

What is the narrative situation?

The next morning, professional panegyrists, bards, and singers come to the palace to perform their customary praises, unaware that Daśaratha has died.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline and role-based responsibility: the court performers fulfill their assigned function with learning, auspicious speech, and orderly conduct.