Shloka 2.1.4
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
राजाऽपि तौ महातेजा स्सस्मार प्रोषितौ सुतौ।उभौ भरतशत्रुघ्नौ महेन्द्रवरुणोपमौ।।।।
mahīm aham imāṃ kṛtsnām adhitiṣṭhantam ātmajam | anena vayasā dṛṣṭvā yathā svargam avāpnuyām ||
“If at this very age I could see my son established as ruler over this entire earth, it would be as though I had attained heaven.”
The glorious king Dasaratha also remembered his sons, Bharata and Satrughna, who were like the great Indra and Varuna, (now) away from home.
Dharma links personal fulfillment with public order: the king’s peace comes from ensuring righteous governance continues after him.
Daśaratha expresses urgency to witness the successful transfer of rule to Rāma while he still lives.
Daśaratha’s sense of responsibility toward orderly succession and the kingdom’s stability.