Valmiki Ramayana 2.102.2 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 102, Shloka 2
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च
Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī
तं तु वज्रमिवोत्सृष्टमाहवे दानवारिणावाग्वज्रंभरते नोक्त ममनोज्ञं परन्तपः।।।।प्रगृह्य रामो बाहू वैपुष्पिताग्रो यथा द्रुमः।वने परशुना कृत्तस्तथा भुवि पपात ह।।।।
taṃ tu vajram ivotsṛṣṭam āhave dānavāriṇā |
vāg-vajraṃ bharatenoktaṃ mama nojñaṃ parantapaḥ ||
pragṛhya rāmo bāhū vai puṣpitāgro yathā drumaḥ |
vane paraśunā kṛttas tathā bhuvi papāta ha ||
Mas aquelas palavras, como um raio, ditas por Bharata—dolorosas para Rama—foram como o vajra de Indra arremessado na batalha contra os inimigos dos deuses; e Rama, abrasador dos adversários, lançou os braços e caiu por terra como uma árvore de copa florida, abatida pelo machado na floresta.
On hearing the thunder-like words spoken by Bharata afflicting the mind, like thethunderbolt hurled by Indra (enemy of demons) in a battle, Rama, the scorcher of enemies, stretching forth both his arms, fell down on the ground like a tree with flowering tops severed by an axe in the forest.
FAQs
It underscores the moral gravity of truthful news: speech that conveys reality (even when painful) can strike like a thunderbolt, yet it is necessary for dharmic response and right action.
Bharata’s report (including Dasharatha’s death) hits Rama with overwhelming force, and he collapses in shock and grief.
Bharata’s commitment to truth-bearing (even when it hurts), and Rama’s deeply human sensitivity—his love and reverence make the blow unbearable.
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