Women's Grief Echoes in Ayodhya

Experience the heart-wrenching lament of Ayodhya as Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana depart for exile. Witness the city's despair and the people's undying love for their beloved prince in this poignant Ramayana chapter. 

The People's Grief (Shlokas 2.48.1 - 2.48.2)

The citizens of Ayodhya (the capital city of Kosala kingdom), overwhelmed with sorrow, followed Rama as he departed for exile. Their eyes were filled with tears, and they longed for death in their grief. As they returned to the city after bidding farewell to Rama, they appeared lifeless, as if their very essence had been drained from them.

The City in Mourning (Shlokas 2.48.3 - 2.48.5)

Upon reaching their homes, the people, surrounded by their families, broke down in tears. The city fell into a state of despair:

• Merchants ceased their trade

• Marketplaces lost their vibrancy

• Householders stopped cooking

• People became indifferent to losses or gains

• Even new mothers found no joy in their firstborn children

Women's Lament (Shlokas 2.48.6 - 2.48.7)

In every house, women wept bitterly. They reproached their husbands who returned home, their words sharp like elephant goads. They cried out in anguish:

"What use are our homes, wives, wealth, sons, or comforts to those who cannot see Rama? Only Lakshmana (Rama's younger brother) is fortunate, for he follows Rama and Sita (Rama's wife) to serve them in the forest."

Nature's Blessings on Rama (Shlokas 2.48.8 - 2.48.15)

The women spoke of how nature would welcome Rama:

• Rivers, lotus pools, and lakes would be blessed by Rama's bath

• Forests, mountains, and valleys would enhance Rama's splendor

• Every hill and forest would receive Rama like an honored guest

• Trees with colorful flowers and bees would present themselves to Rama

• Mountains would offer fruits and flowers out of season

• Crystal-clear waters would flow from picturesque waterfalls

They declared, "Where Rama goes, there will be no fear or dishonor."

The People's Resolve (Shlokas 2.48.16 - 2.48.24)

The citizens expressed their determination to follow Rama:

"Before Dasaratha's (the king of Ayodhya) valiant son goes too far, let us follow him. The shadow of his feet will give us happiness. He alone is our protector, our goal, and our supreme refuge."

They proposed dividing duties:

• Men would serve Rama

• Women would serve Sita

They refused to live under Kaikeyi's (Rama's stepmother) rule, declaring:

"We will never stay in Kaikeyi's kingdom as servants. We swear on our sons that as long as Kaikeyi lives, we will not remain here."

Rama's Virtues Extolled (Shlokas 2.48.29 - 2.48.31)

The people praised Rama's qualities:

• Face like the full moon

• Blue-hued complexion

• Strong clavicles

• Subduer of enemies

• Arms reaching his knees

• Lotus-eyed

• First to address others

• Sweet-natured

• Always truthful

• Mighty and pleasing

• Charming like the moon

• Powerful like an intoxicated elephant

They believed that Rama would make the forest look graceful with his presence.

Ayodhya's Desolation (Shlokas 2.48.32 - 2.48.37)

As night fell, Ayodhya descended into gloom:

• Women wept as if death approached

• Sacrificial fires were extinguished

• Study of scriptures and sacred recitations ceased

• The city seemed smeared with darkness

• Markets closed

• Joy vanished

• The city appeared like a starless sky

Ayodhya, once vibrant with music and celebrations, now stood silent and sorrowful, like an ocean with diminished waters.

This concludes the forty first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.