Shloka 3.1.19

तापसाश्रममण्डलदर्शनम् (Entering Dandaka and Meeting the Sages)

Devanagari script

इन्द्रस्येह चतुर्भागः प्रजा रक्षति राघव।राजा तस्माद्वरान्भोगान्रम्यान् भुङक्तेलोकनमस्कृतः।।।।

Transliteration

indrasyeha caturbhāgaḥ prajā rakṣati rāghava | rājā tasmād varān bhogān ramyān bhuṅkte lokanamaskṛtaḥ ||

Translation

O Rāghava, in this world the king is said to hold a fourth share of Indra’s power, because he protects the people; therefore he is honored by the world and enjoys the finest, delightful rewards.

Context

O Rama, in this world a king is considered the fourth part of Indra as he protects the people. Therefore, he is respected and he enjoys the choicest pleasures of life.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Indra
• King (rājā)
• People/subjects (prajā)

FAQs

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

Legitimacy through protection: a king’s honor and prosperity are ethically grounded in safeguarding the subjects (prajā-rakṣaṇa), aligning power with responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

The sages continue their discourse on rājadharma, explaining why kings are revered and enjoy privileges—because they protect society.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective leadership: the ideal ruler earns reverence not by birth alone but by steadfast guardianship of the people and commitment to dharma.