Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 45, Shloka 2
अयोध्यावासिजनानुरागः
The People and Brahmins Follow Rama toward Exile
निवर्तितेऽपि च बलात्सुहृद्वर्गे च राजनि।नैव ते संन्यवर्तन्त रामस्यानुगता रथम्।।।।
nivartite ’pi ca balāt suhṛdvarge ca rājani |
naiva te saṃnyavartanta rāmasyānugatā ratham ||
王と友の一団が力ずくで引き返させられても、ラーマに従った者たちは少しも戻らず、なおラーマの車の後を追い続けた。
All animals, especially horses have a keen sense of hearing. Therefore, having listened to our entreaty, turn back.
FAQs
The verse highlights steadfast loyalty to dharma and to a righteous person: people remain committed to Rama despite royal orders, implying that moral authority can outweigh coercive power.
As Rama proceeds toward exile, the king and others are compelled to go back, but many followers continue trailing Rama’s chariot.
The followers’ steadfast devotion and moral resolve; implicitly, Rama’s worthiness that inspires such adherence.