Shloka 3.6.12
षष्ठस्सर्गः — तपस्विरक्षणे राजधर्मोपदेशः (Sarga 6: The Sages’ Appeal and Instruction on Royal Duty)
युञ्जानस्स्वानिव प्राणान्प्राणैरिष्टान्सुतानिव।नित्ययुक्तस्सदा रक्षन्सर्वान्विषयवासिनः।।।।प्राप्नोति शाश्वतीं राम कीर्तिं स बहुवार्षिकीम्।ब्रह्मणस्स्थानमासाद्य तत्र चापि महीयते।।।।
yuñjānas svān iva prāṇān prāṇair iṣṭān sutān iva |
nityayuktaḥ sadā rakṣan sarvān viṣayavāsinaḥ ||
prāpnoti śāśvatīṃ rāma kīrtiṃ sa bahuvārṣikīm |
brahmaṇaḥ sthānam āsādya tatra cāpi mahīyate ||
O Rāma, the ruler who, ever steadfast, protects all who dwell in his realm as though they were his own dear sons—loved more than life itself—wins enduring fame for long years; and, reaching Brahmā’s world, is honored there as well.
O Rama, whoever protects the inhabitants of his kingdom at all times like his own son who he loves more than his own life will attain the world of Brahma and remain there for long years and will achieve prosperity thereafter.
The verse defines the highest rāja-dharma as protective care rooted in parental compassion; such protection generates both worldly reputation and spiritual merit.
Sages instruct Rāma on the fruits of righteous protection, reinforcing why a dharmic ruler must shield vulnerable communities from violence.
Compassionate guardianship—seeing subjects as one’s own children and acting with constant discipline.