Shloka 2.1.19

गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)

Devanagari script

स तु श्रेष्ठैर्गुणैर्युक्तः प्रजानां पार्थिवात्मजः।बहिश्चर इव प्राणो बभूव गुणतः प्रियः।।।।

Transliteration

sa tu śreṣṭhair guṇair yuktaḥ prajānāṃ pārthivātmajaḥ | bahiścara iva prāṇo babhūva guṇataḥ priyaḥ ||

Translation

Endowed with the finest virtues, the king’s son became beloved of the people; by his goodness he was to them like the very life-breath moving outside the body.

Context

Bestowed with such excellent qualities, the prince (Rama) became a favourite of his subjects. He was like their vital life outside their bodies.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (implied)
• subjects/people of Ayodhyā (prajāḥ)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma is to become the people’s sustaining support through virtue; public trust is won not by power but by guṇa (ethical excellence).

What is the narrative situation?

The narration continues cataloguing Rāma’s qualities, emphasizing his bond with the citizens and his suitability for kingship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Belovedness grounded in virtue—his moral character makes him life-giving to society.