Shloka 44
भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम्
Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya
देवायतनचैत्येषु दीनाः पक्षिगणास्तथा।।2.71.43।। मलिनं चाश्रुपूर्णाक्षं दीनं ध्यानपरं कृशम्। सस्त्रीपुंसं च पश्यामि जनमुत्कण्ठितं पुरे।।2.71.44।।
malinaṃ cāśrupūrṇākṣaṃ dīnaṃ dhyānaparaṃ kṛśam |
sastrīpuṃsaṃ ca paśyāmi janamutkaṇṭhitaṃ pure ||2.71.44||
«Vejo o povo da cidade—mulheres e homens igualmente—abatido e emagrecido, com os olhos cheios de lágrimas, miserável de ânimo e absorto em pensamentos ansiosos e dolorosos.»
I see groups of birds frequenting the temples. The sanctuaries appear dispirited. The people in the city, both men and women look dull, emaciated, pitiable with throats choked. Their eyes are filled with tears and minds absorbed in distressing thoughts.
FAQs
Dharma here is expressed as empathetic moral perception: a righteous person does not remain indifferent to public suffering, but recognizes collective distress and responds with responsible action.
As Bharata approaches Ayodhya, he notices the city’s populace overwhelmed by grief and anxiety—an outward sign that a grave disruption has occurred in the royal household and civic order.
Bharata’s sensitivity and conscientiousness: he observes carefully, feels the weight of the people’s sorrow, and is prepared to act in alignment with dharma rather than personal comfort.