Shloka 6.48.26

सीताविलापः—त्रिजटासान्त्वनं च (Sita’s Lament and Trijata’s Consolation)

Devanagari script

हतवीरप्रधानाहिगतोत्साहानिरुद्यमा ।सेनाभ्रमतिसङ् ख्येषुहतकर्णेवनौर्जले ।।।।

Transliteration

hatavīrapradhānā hi gatotsāhā nirudyamā | senā bhramati saṅkhyeṣu hatakarṇeva naur jale ||

Translation

When its chief heroes are slain, an army loses its spirit and becomes inert; it wanders in battle like a ship on the water whose helmsman has been lost.

Context

"The army chief killed, the interest of the troop lost, Pushpaka will move about without making an effort like the ship which lost the helmsman."

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma (implied by context)
• Lakṣmaṇa (implied by context)

FAQs

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

Dharma highlights responsible leadership: the welfare and steadiness of many depend on the presence and guidance of worthy leaders.

What is the narrative situation?

To counter the claim that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are dead, the speaker notes that a leaderless force would collapse and drift—yet the opposing side’s situation does not match that pattern.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Insight into governance and human psychology—understanding how courage and order arise from capable leadership.