Shloka 2.66.18

अयोध्यायां शोकविलापः — Lamentation in Ayodhya after Daśaratha’s death

Devanagari script

हा महाराज रामेण सततं प्रियवादिना।विहीनास्सत्यसन्धेन किमर्थं विजहासि नः।।।।

Transliteration

hā mahārāja rāmeṇa satataṃ priyavādinā |

vihīnāḥ satyasandhena kimarthaṃ vijahāsi naḥ ||

Translation

Alas, O great king! Already bereft of Rāma—ever gentle in speech and steadfast in truth—why do you now abandon us?

Context

When we were already deprived of Rama who was always pleasing and truthful, alas, o great king, why did you leave us?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse elevates satya as a living virtue through Rāma’s epithet satyasandha (“steadfast in truth”). It also portrays the social consequence of dharmic leadership: when the truthful protector is absent, the community feels unguarded.

What is the narrative situation?

In mourning, the women address the deceased king, saying that after losing Rāma to exile, the king’s death feels like a second abandonment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya (truthfulness/faithfulness to vows) and priyavāditā (gentle speech), presented as virtues that sustain the people.