Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 76, Shloka 23
दशरथस्य अन्त्येष्टि
विधानम् — Dasaratha’s Funeral Rites and Ayodhya’s Mourning
कृत्वोदकं ते भरतेन सार्धं नृपाङ्गना मन्त्रिपुरोहिता श्च।पुरंप्रविश्याश्रुपरीतनेत्राः भूमौ दशाहं व्यनयन्त दुःखम्।।2.76.23।।
kṛtvodakaṃ te bharatena sārdhaṃ nṛpāṅganā mantripurohitāś ca |
puraṃ praviśyāśruparītanetrāḥ bhūmau daśāhaṃ vyanayanta duḥkham || 2.76.23 ||
Setelah mempersembahkan udaka-dāna (libasi air) bersama Bharata, para permaisuri raja—bersama para menteri dan purohita—kembali memasuki kota; mata mereka dipenuhi air mata, dan selama sepuluh hari mereka menjalani masa berkabung dalam duka, berbaring di tanah.
The mortal remains of king Dasaratha, protector of the earth, was taken out of the oil container and placed on the floor. His pale, yellow face appeared as if he was asleep. Thereafter it was laid upon a magnificent couch adorned with every kind of gem. On seeing Dasaratha in that state Bharata lamented in extreme distress.
FAQs
Dharma is sustained through shared rites and disciplined mourning: offerings for the departed and a defined mourning period express respect, memory, and social stability.
Following the cremation-related observances and water-libations, the royal household and officiants return to Ayodhyā and observe ten days of mourning.
Collective responsibility and reverence—ministers, priests, and queens uphold tradition and honor the king through prescribed observances.