Valmiki Ramayana 2.71.24: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 71, Shloka 24
भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम्
Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya
न ह्यत्र यानैर्दृश्यन्ते न गजैर्न च वाजिभिः।।2.71.24।।
निर्यान्तो वाऽभियान्तो वा नरमुख्या यथापुरम्।
na hy atra yānair dṛśyante na gajair na ca vājibhiḥ || 2.71.24 ||
niryānto vā ’bhiyānto vā nara-mukhyā yathāpuram |
येथे ना वाहनांवर, ना गजांवर, ना घोड्यांवर आरूढ असे श्रेष्ठ पुरुष—पूर्वीप्रमाणे—ना बाहेर जाताना, ना आत येताना दिसत आहेत।
Important people mounted on elephants or horses are not seen going out of the city or coming in.
FAQs
A well-ordered kingdom (dharma-rājya) shows visible signs of confident civic movement and leadership. The absence of public activity hints at anxiety and disruption of rightful order.
Rama notes that the usual traffic of notable citizens—on mounts and vehicles—is missing.
Rama’s vigilance: he observes governance-related signs and senses that something serious has occurred in the city.
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