Shloka 3.1.18

तापसाश्रममण्डलदर्शनम् (Entering Dandaka and Meeting the Sages)

Devanagari script

धर्मपालो जनस्यास्य शरण्यस्त्वं महायशाः।पूजनीयश्च मान्यश्च राजा दण्डधरो गुरुः।।।।

Transliteration

dharmapālo janasyāsya śaraṇyas tvaṃ mahāyaśāḥ | pūjanīyaś ca mānyaś ca rājā daṇḍadharo guruḥ ||

Translation

O greatly renowned king, you are this people’s refuge and the protector of dharma—worthy of worship and honor; as ruler you bear the staff of punishment and stand as a guiding authority.

Context

O king of great reputation, you are the refuge of the people, a protector of dharma, a chastiser of wrong-doers, a worshipful and respectable preceptor.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (as rājā, mahāyaśas)
• People/subjects (jana)
• Daṇḍa (royal punishment/justice)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: the king’s foremost duty is to protect dharma and provide refuge to the people, using just punishment (daṇḍa) to restrain wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

After welcoming Rāma, the sages begin a formal address, describing the moral responsibilities and honor due to a righteous king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as dharma-protector and moral exemplar—combining compassion (refuge) with firmness (just chastisement).