Shloka 2.71.44

भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम् — Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya

Devanagari script

देवायतनचैत्येषु दीनाः पक्षिगणास्तथा।।2.71.43।। मलिनं चाश्रुपूर्णाक्षं दीनं ध्यानपरं कृशम्। सस्त्रीपुंसं च पश्यामि जनमुत्कण्ठितं पुरे।।2.71.44।।

Transliteration

malinaṃ cāśrupūrṇākṣaṃ dīnaṃ dhyānaparaṃ kṛśam |

sastrīpuṃsaṃ ca paśyāmi janamutkaṇṭhitaṃ pure ||2.71.44||

Translation

“I see the people in the city—women and men alike—downcast and emaciated, their eyes brimming with tears, wretched in spirit, and absorbed in anxious, sorrowful thought.”

Context

 I see groups of birds frequenting the temples. The sanctuaries appear dispirited. The people in the city, both men and women look dull, emaciated, pitiable with throats choked. Their eyes are filled with tears and minds absorbed in distressing thoughts.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhya (implied by 'pure' in context)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as empathetic moral perception: a righteous person does not remain indifferent to public suffering, but recognizes collective distress and responds with responsible action.

What is the narrative situation?

As Bharata approaches Ayodhya, he notices the city’s populace overwhelmed by grief and anxiety—an outward sign that a grave disruption has occurred in the royal household and civic order.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s sensitivity and conscientiousness: he observes carefully, feels the weight of the people’s sorrow, and is prepared to act in alignment with dharma rather than personal comfort.