Shloka 2.67.5

अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः (The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm)

Devanagari script

अतीता शर्वरी दुःखं या नो वर्षशतोपमा।अस्मिन्पञ्चत्वमापन्ने पुत्रशोकेन पार्थिवे।।।।

Transliteration

atītā śarvarī duḥkhaṃ yā no varṣaśatopamā | asmin pañcatvam āpanne putraśokena pārthive ||

Translation

The night that has passed has been for us a sorrow, as though a hundred years; for the king, consumed by grief for his son, has met death and returned to the five elements.

Context

While king Dasaratha died on account of grief over (separation from) his son and rejoined the five elements, the sorrowful night seemed like a hundred years for us. (commented the assembly of ministers).

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• pañca-mahābhūta (five elements)

FAQs

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

It underscores the dharmic reality of impermanence: even a king is subject to death, and governance must respond responsibly rather than collapse into private grief.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s exile, King Daśaratha dies from sorrow; the ministers reflect on the dreadful night and the crisis of succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative sobriety and responsibility in crisis—placing the kingdom’s welfare above emotional paralysis.