Shloka 2.66.15

अयोध्यायां शोकविलापः — Lamentation in Ayodhya after Daśaratha’s death

Devanagari script

न तु सङ्कलनं राज्ञो विना पुत्रेण मन्त्रिणः।सर्वज्ञाः कर्तुमीषुस्ते ततो रक्षन्ति भूमिपम्।।।।

Transliteration

na tu saṅkalanaṃ rājño vinā putreṇa mantriṇaḥ |

sarvajñāḥ kartum īṣuḥ te tato rakṣanti bhūmipam ||

Translation

But the ministers, well-versed in sacred procedure, did not wish to perform the king’s funeral obsequies without a son present; therefore they kept watch over the ruler’s body.

Context

The counsellors who were acquainted with all such matters (relating to the king's funeral) were unwilling to perform the obsequies in the absence of any of the king's sons. Meanwhile, they kept watch over the deadbody of the king.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• ministers (mantriṇaḥ)
• the king’s sons (putra—implicitly Rāma, Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights pitṛ-dharma and ritual propriety: the son’s role in performing final rites is treated as a dharmic obligation, so the ministers delay the obsequies until a rightful performer is present.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha has died, and Rāma is in exile; the ministers preserve the body and postpone the rites awaiting the arrival of a son (notably Bharata).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for tradition and lawful procedure (vidhi), coupled with guardianship and responsibility.