Shloka 2.87.22

गुहसंवादः—रामस्य रात्रिवासवर्णनम् (Dialogue with Guha: Account of Rama’s Night Halt)

Devanagari script

नियम्य पृष्ठे तु तलाङ्गुलित्रवान् शरैस्सुपूर्णाविषुधी परन्तपः।महाद्धनु स्सज्यमुपोह्य लक्ष्मणो निशामतिष्ठत्परितोऽस्य केवलम्।।।।

Transliteration

sukumāro mahāsattvaḥ siṃhaskandho mahābhujaḥ |

puṇḍarīkaviśālākṣas taruṇaḥ priyadarśanaḥ ||

pratyāśvasya muhūrtaṃ tu kālaṃ paramadurmanāḥ |

papāta sahasā totrair hy atividdha iva dvipaḥ ||

Translation

Bharata—delicate yet mighty in spirit, lion-shouldered, strong-armed, lotus-wide-eyed, youthful and fair to behold—revived for a moment; then, his mind overwhelmed with grief, he suddenly fell, like an elephant struck hard by a goad.

Context

Lakshmana, the scorcher of enemies, wearing protective covering for his palms and fingers (made of goha-skin), strapping on his back two quivers filled with arrows,holding a great bow, strung ready, stood sentinel throughout the night guarding the surrounding.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• elephant (dvipa)
• goad (totra)

FAQs

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

The verse shows the human cost of dharma: even the virtuous are shaken by sorrow when duty and family rupture collide.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata briefly regains composure but collapses again under intense grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s sensitivity and sincerity—his grief underscores his deep moral involvement and love for Rāma.