Shloka 2.66.23

अयोध्यायां शोकविलापः — Lamentation in Ayodhya after Daśaratha’s death

Devanagari script

ता बाष्पेण च संवीताश्शोकेन विपुलेन च।व्यवेष्टन्त निरानन्दा राघवस्य वरस्त्रियः।।।।

Transliteration

tā bāṣpeṇa ca saṃvītāḥ śokena vipulena ca |

vyaveṣṭanta nirānandā rāghavasya vara-striyaḥ ||

Translation

Rāghava’s noble queens, shrouded in tears and engulfed in vast sorrow, lay writhing—bereft of all joy.

Context

The excellent wives of Dasaratha, overwhelmed with profound grief and tears, are lying unconcious on the floor.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (Rāghava)
• Queens of Daśaratha

FAQs

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

It underscores the human cost when dharma is disrupted: personal and political disorder manifests as collective suffering, reminding readers that ethical governance and familial duty protect the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha has died; the queens are overwhelmed by grief and collapse in mourning.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The queens’ deep attachment and loyalty to the king is implied through their intense mourning.