Shloka 2.65.24
अयोध्याकाण्डे पञ्चषष्टितमः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Death Discovered in the Palace (Morning Rites Turn to Lament)
नृपे शान्तगुणे जाते कौसल्यां पतितां भुवि।अपश्यंस्ताः स्त्रियः सर्वा हतां नागवधूमिव।।।।
nṛpe śāntaguṇe jāte kausalyāṃ patitāṃ bhuvi | apaśyaṃs tāḥ striyaḥ sarvā hatāṃ nāgavadhūm iva ||
When the king of tranquil virtues lay stilled and motionless, all the women saw Kausalyā fallen on the ground—like a female elephant struck down.
Dasaratha with his body lying still, all the women looked at Kausalya fallen down on the floor like a slain female elephant.
It conveys the dharmic ideal of shared responsibility in crisis: the household collectively witnesses and responds to the suffering of its members.
With Daśaratha lifeless, the women of the palace observe Kausalyā’s collapse and recognize the severity of the tragedy.
Compassion and communal solidarity are implied as the women gather and look upon Kausalyā’s condition.