Shloka 2.76.22

दशरथस्य अन्त्येष्टि-विधानम् — Dasaratha’s Funeral Rites and Ayodhya’s Mourning

Devanagari script

ततो रुदन्त्यो विवशाविलप्य च पुनः पुनः।यानेभ्यस्सरयूतीरमवतेरुर्वराङ्गनाः।।2.76.22।।

Transliteration

śibikābhiś ca yānaiś ca yathārhaṃ tasya yoṣitaḥ |

nagarān niryayus tatra vṛddhaiḥ parivṛtās tadā || 2.76.19 ||

Translation

Then the king’s womenfolk, arranged according to rank, set out from the city for that place, surrounded by aged attendants—some in palanquins and others in vehicles.

Context

Thereafter, the courtesans weeping uncontrollably and, lamenting again and again, alighted from carriages on the bank of the river Sarayu.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Ayodhyā
• royal women (yoṣitaḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as ordered conduct in crisis: even mourning follows appropriate roles and protections, reflecting social responsibility and decorum.

What is the narrative situation?

As funeral rites proceed, the royal women leave Ayodhyā for the riverside/cremation area in a guarded, rank-ordered procession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective discipline and propriety—maintaining dignified conduct while honoring the deceased king.