Shloka 13

अयोध्यायाः पौरविलापः

Lament of the Citizens of Ayodhya on Rama’s Absence

Devanagari script

ततो मार्गानुसारेण गत्वा किञ्चित् क्षणं पुनः।मार्गनाशाद्विषादेन महता समभिप्लुताः।।।।

Transliteration

tato mārgānusāreṇa gatvā kiñcit kṣaṇaṃ punaḥ | mārga-nāśād viṣādena mahatā samabhiplutāḥ || 2.47.13 ||

Translation

Kemudian, menurut jejak jalan itu untuk seketika, mereka pun kehilangannya; kerana jejak itu lenyap, mereka sekali lagi ditenggelami keputusasaan yang amat besar.

Word by Word

tataḥthen

mārgānusāreṇaby following the path

gatvāhaving gone

kiñcita little

kṣaṇama moment

punaḥagain

mārgānāśātdue to losing the way

viṣādenawith despondency

mahatāgreat

samabhiplutāḥwere overwhelmed

Context

For a short while they followed the tracks (of the chariot) and after having gone a little distance, they missed the way. They were again submerged in deep sorrow.

Characters & Entities

Ayodhya citizens

Rama (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as perseverance in loyalty: even when circumstances obstruct them, the citizens strive to remain aligned with the righteous path (symbolized by following Rama’s track).

What is the narrative situation?

The group follows the chariot’s traces briefly but loses them, leading to renewed grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Determination and faithful pursuit—effort made despite uncertainty and emotional pain.