Shloka 2.1.39
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
महीमहमिमां कृत्स्नामधितिष्ठन्तमात्मजम्।।।।अनेन वयसा दृष्ट्वा यथास्वर्गमवाप्नुयाम्।
yamaśakrasamo vīrye bṛhaspatisamo matau | mahīdharasamo dhṛtyāṃ mattaś ca guṇavattaraḥ ||
“In prowess he is the equal of Yama and Śakra; in counsel, like Bṛhaspati; in steadfastness, like a mountain—and in virtues, even greater than I.”
'Seeing my son ruling this entire dominion of the earth, I will experience the bliss of attaining heaven at this age.'
Dharma values fitness to rule: power must be guided by wisdom and steadiness, culminating in superior character.
Daśaratha enumerates Rāma’s exemplary qualities as justification for appointing him heir.
Rāma’s balanced excellence—valor, wise judgment, and unwavering fortitude.