Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 48, Shloka 17
अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम्
Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation
पादच्छाया सुखा भर्तुस्तादृशस्य महात्मनः।स हि नाथो जनस्यास्य स गति स्सपरायणम्।।2.48.17।।
pādacchāyā sukhā bhartus tādṛśasya mahātmanaḥ |
sa hi nātho janasyāsya sa gatiḥ sa parāyaṇam || 2.48.17 ||
এমন মহাত্মা প্রভুর পদচ্ছায়াও সুখদ। তিনিই এই জনতার নাথ—তিনিই তাদের গতি, লক্ষ্য ও পরম আশ্রয়।
The shadow of the feet of this magnanimous lord will give us happiness. He alone is the goal and protector of all these people. He is the supreme refuge.
FAQs
It affirms the dharmic ideal of the ruler as nātha (protector): a just leader becomes the people’s refuge, showing that governance grounded in Satya and Dharma is itself a moral shelter.
Citizens express that their well-being and direction depend on Rama, intensifying their desire to accompany him.
Rama’s greatness of soul and protective compassion—he is seen as the people’s ultimate support.