Shloka 2.66.21

अयोध्यायां शोकविलापः — Lamentation in Ayodhya after Daśaratha’s death

Devanagari script

त्वया तेन च वीरेण विना व्यसनमोहिताः।कथं वयं निवत्स्यामः कैकेय्या च विदूषिताः।।।।

Transliteration

tvayā tena ca vīreṇa vinā vyasanamohitāḥ |

kathaṃ vayaṃ nivatsyāmaḥ kaikeyyā ca vidūṣitāḥ ||

Translation

Without you, and without that heroic Rāma, how can we go on living—overwhelmed by calamity and grief, and further humiliated by Kaikeyī?

Context

Without you and without the heroic Rama, how can we live overwhelmed with grief and enduring the abuses of Kaikeyi?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the dharmic ideal of protection and moral order in the household and kingdom: when righteous leaders (like Rāma) are absent and adharma (cruel humiliation) prevails, social and familial stability collapses.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā is in turmoil after Rāma’s exile and Daśaratha’s death; the queens lament their helplessness and the harsh treatment associated with Kaikeyī’s actions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s protective righteousness is implied: his presence is seen as a source of stability, dignity, and dharmic order for the family and the city.