In the sorrow caused by Rama’s separation, no agnihotras, i.e., daily offerings of oblations to the sacred fire maintained at home by the householders were conducted. Business came to a stand still. Traders did not display their wares. Elephants gave up their fodder, cows refused to allow their calves to suck and mothers did not rejoice even at the birth of their first child. Even the heavenly bodies like Saturn, got into commotion and confusion.
The agony of the citizens 2.41.1-7
In the sorrow caused by Rama’s separation, no agnihotras, i.e., daily offerings of oblations to the sacred fire maintained at home by the householders were conducted. Business came to a stand still. Traders did not display their wares. Elephants gave up their fodder, cows refused to allow their calves to suck and mothers did not rejoice even at the birth of their first child. Even the heavenly bodies like Saturn, got into commotion and confusion.