Shloka 16
Adhiratha-Rādhā Discover the Casket; Vasuṣeṇa (Karṇa) is Adopted and Formed
ततस्ते हरय: सर्वे नच्छुत्वा रामभाषितम् । गतासुकल्पा निश्चेष्ठा बभूवु: सहलक्ष्मणा:,श्रीरामचन्द्रजीका यह कथन सुनकर समस्त वानर तथा लक्ष्मण सबके सब मरे हुएके समान निश्चैष्ट हो गये
tatas te harayaḥ sarve na śrutvā rāma-bhāṣitam | gatāsukalpā niśceṣṭā babhūvuḥ saha-lakṣmaṇāḥ ||
Entonces todos aquellos monos, al oír las palabras de Rāma, quedaron como sin vida—quietos y atónitos; y Lakṣmaṇa también permaneció con ellos en la misma inmovilidad herida.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral weight of a righteous leader’s words: when duty and grave resolve are expressed, they can overwhelm even strong companions. It implicitly teaches steadiness (dhairya) and loyal support in moments when despair threatens collective action.
After Rāma speaks, the entire Vānara host—along with Lakṣmaṇa—becomes stunned and motionless, as if lifeless. Their reaction conveys shock and sorrow at the seriousness of what Rāma has said and the crisis it implies.