Shloka 37

सत्यपाशः

Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise

Devanagari script

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

Transliteration

caturaśvo rathaḥ śrīmān nistriṁśo dhanur uttamam |

vāhanaṁ nara-saṁyuktaṁ chatraṁ ca śaśi-sannibham || 2.14.37 ||

Translation

Bereit steht ein prächtiger Wagen, mit vier Pferden bespannt, ebenso ein Schwert und ein vortrefflicher Bogen; auch eine Sänfte mit ihren Trägern und ein Schirm, dem Mond gleich, sind hergerichtet.

Word by Word

इतिthus

तस्यof him

वचःwords

श्रुत्वाhaving heard

सूतपुत्रःthe charioteer’s son (Sumantra)

महात्मनःof the great-souled (one)

स्तुवन्praising

नृपतिशार्दूलम्the tiger among kings

प्रविवेशentered

निवेशनम्the residence/palace

Context

Here are the pots filled with water from river Ganga and golden vessels with water from the seas. And throne made of udumbara wood for the installation ceremony. All kinds of seeds, perfumes, different kinds of precious stones, honey, curd, ghee, puffed grains, kusha grass (special grass used in rituals), flowers, milk, eight beautiful girls, an intoxicated elephant, a dignified chariot drawn by four horses, a sword, an elegant bow, a palanquin accompanied by bearers, an umbrella resembling the full Moon, two white fans made of Yak's tails, a golden vessel, a palecoloured humped bull, wearing golden gerland, a lion having four strong and large teeth, a mighty horse of the best breed, a throne, tiger skin, fire kindled with faggots, all kinds of musical instruments, courtesans, welldecorated women, preceptors, brahmins, cows, sacred animals and birds, eminent citizens and villagers, groups of merchants all speaking pleasant words and kings -- all are here for Rama's coronation.

Characters & Entities

Chariot (ratha)

Sword (nistriṁśa)

Bow (dhanuḥ)

Moon (śaśin) (as simile)

FAQs

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

Kingship is portrayed as a dharmic office marked by insignia and public responsibility; the regalia symbolize protection and governance under law, not private enjoyment.

What is the narrative situation?

Royal regalia and conveyances are being readied as part of Rama’s coronation preparations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Readiness for service—preparers ensure the outward symbols of rule align with the solemnity of the rite.