Shloka 2.1.38

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

Devanagari script

यमशक्रसमो वीर्ये बृहस्पतिसमो मतौ।।।।महीधरसमो धृत्यां मत्तश्च गुणवत्तरः।

Transliteration

vṛddhikāmo hi lokasya sarvabhūtānukampanaḥ | mattaḥ priyataro loke parjanya iva vṛṣṭimān ||

Translation

“He seeks the welfare and increase of the world; he is compassionate to all beings. To the people he is dearer even than I—like Parjanya, the rain-giver, when he pours down.”

Context

'In prowess he is equal to Yama and Indra,in wisdom to Brihaspati and in firmness to a mountain and in virtues greater than me'.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Parjanya

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: a ruler’s legitimacy rests on compassion and the active promotion of the people’s welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha assesses Rāma’s popularity and benevolent intent as grounds for consecrating him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s universal compassion (sarvabhūtānukampā) and commitment to prosperity.