Valmiki Ramayana 2.1.42: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 1, Shloka 42
गुणप्रशंसा-युवराजनिर्णयः
Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent
दिव्यन्तरिक्षे भूमौ च घोरमुत्पातजं भयम् ॥४२॥
स़ञ्चचक्षेऽथ मेधावी शरीरे चात्मनो जराम् ।
divy antarikṣe bhūmau ca ghoram utpātajaṃ bhayam ||42||
sañcacakṣe 'tha medhāvī śarīre cātmano jarām |
Daraufhin nahm der weise König schaurige, aus Unheilszeichen geborene Ängste wahr—im Himmel, in der Luft und auf Erden—und er bemerkte auch, wie das Alter seinen eigenen Leib ergriff.
The sagacious king, too perceived his body ageing and the portentous omens in the heaven, in the sky and on the earth causing dreadful concern.
FAQs
Awareness of impermanence supports dharmic action: recognizing aging and signs of change, a ruler should timely secure righteous continuity.
As Daśaratha plans succession, he observes ominous portents and feels his own physical decline.
Daśaratha’s prudence—reading circumstances and acting before duty becomes impossible due to age.
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