Shloka 2.65.29

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

Devanagari script

अतीतमाज्ञाय तु पार्थिवर्षभं यशस्विनं सम्परिवार्य पत्नयः।भृशं रुदन्त्यः करुणं सुदुःखिताः प्रगृह्य बाहू व्यलपन्ननाथवत्।।।।

Transliteration

atītam ājñāya tu pārthivarṣabhaṃ yaśasvinaṃ samparivārya patnayaḥ | bhṛśaṃ rudantyaḥ karuṇaṃ suduḥkhitāḥ pragṛhya bāhū vyalapann anāthavat ||

Translation

Realizing that the illustrious bull among kings had passed away, his wives gathered around him; in intense sorrow they wept bitterly and piteously, raising their arms and lamenting like those left without a protector.

Context

Realising that the great and illustrious king, Dasaratha, had passed away, his wives gathered around him, weeping piteously and bitterly and holding one another's hands bewailed like orphans.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē pañcaṣaṣṭitamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the sixtyfifth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (pārthivarṣabha, implied)
• the queens (patnayaḥ)

FAQs

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

It highlights the dharmic expectation that a king is a 'nātha' (protector). The lament 'like the unprotected' shows how dharma is experienced as shelter and responsibility, not merely law.

What is the narrative situation?

The queens confirm Daśaratha’s death, surround his body, and lament intensely as the palace enters full mourning.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fidelity and reverence toward the king—expressed through mourning that recognizes his role as protector of family and realm.