Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 47, Shloka 13
अयोध्यायाः पौरविलापः
Lament of the Citizens of Ayodhya on Rama’s Absence
ततो मार्गानुसारेण गत्वा किञ्चित् क्षणं पुनः।मार्गनाशाद्विषादेन महता समभिप्लुताः।।।।
tato mārgānusāreṇa gatvā kiñcit kṣaṇaṃ punaḥ | mārga-nāśād viṣādena mahatā samabhiplutāḥ || 2.47.13 ||
ततः मार्गानुसारेण गत्वा किञ्चित् क्षणं पुनः। मार्गनाशात् महता विषादेन समभिप्लुताः॥
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.
FAQs
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).
The group follows the chariot’s traces briefly but loses them, leading to renewed grief.
Determination and faithful pursuit—effort made despite uncertainty and emotional pain.