Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 15, Shloka 16

अभिषेकसज्जा तथा सुमन्त्रस्य प्रेषणम्

Coronation Preparations and Sumantra’s Commission

Devanagari script

इति तेषु ब्रुवाणेषु सार्वभौमान् महीपतीन्।।2.15.16।।अब्रवीत्तानिदं सर्वान्सुमन्त्रो राजसत्कृतः।

Transliteration

iti tēṣu bruvāṇēṣu sārvabhaumān mahīpatīn || 2.15.16 ||

abravīt tān idaṃ sarvān sumantro rājasatkṛtaḥ |

Translation

وبينما كان أولئك الملوكُ السادةُ يتكلمون هكذا، خاطبهم سومانترَا—المكرَّمُ الموثوقُ لدى الملك—بهذه الكلمات.

Word by Word

• यौवराज्याभिषेकः: the consecration as prince-regent
• यौवराज्याभिषेकः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: यौवराज्य (प्रातिपदिक) + अभिषेक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष ('of the heir-apparency' + 'consecration'); प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), एकवचन (Singular), पुल्लिङ्ग (Masculine)

• च: and
• च: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चय-अव्यय (conjunction)

• सज्जः: ready
• सज्जः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सज्ज (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative), एकवचन (Singular), पुल्लिङ्ग (Masculine); विशेषणम्

• रामस्य: of Rama
• रामस्य: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: राम (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: षष्ठी-विभक्ति (Genitive), एकवचन (Singular), पुल्लिङ्ग (Masculine)

• धीमतः: of the wise
• धीमतः: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: धीमत् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: षष्ठी-विभक्ति (Genitive), एकवचन (Singular), पुल्लिङ्ग (Masculine); विशेषणम् (qualifying 'रामस्य')

Context

Just as articles necessary for the consecration of the descendants of the Ikshvakus, are customarily arranged in the kingdom, in the same way things were arranged for the coronation of the prince belonging to that race. All those who had assembled there in response to the order of the king could not see him and so they said to themselves 'Who will inform the king of our arrival. Everything is kept ready for consecration of the sagacious Rama as prince regent. The Sun has risen. But we do not find the king'.

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here is proper mediation and protocol: a trusted minister speaks to maintain order and truthful coordination in a public state ceremony.

What is the narrative situation?

The assembly is concerned at the king’s absence; Sumantra steps in to communicate and manage the situation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyal service and prudence: Sumantra acts as a reliable agent of the king, guiding the assembly calmly.