Shloka 2.1.40

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

Devanagari script

इत्येतैर्विविधैस्तैस्तैरन्यपार्थिवदुर्लभैः।।।।शिष्टैरपरिमेयैश्च लोके लोकोत्तरैर्गुणैः।तं समीक्ष्य महाराजो युक्तं समुदितैश्शुभैः।।।।निश्चित्य सचिवैस्सार्धं युवराजममन्यत।

Transliteration

ity etair vividhais tais tair anyapārthivadurlabhaiḥ | śiṣṭair aparimeyaiś ca loke lokottarair guṇaiḥ | taṃ samīkṣya mahārājo yuktaṃ samuditaiḥ śubhaiḥ | niścitya sacivaiḥ sārdhaṃ yuvarājam amanyata ||

Translation

Thus, having observed him endowed with many kinds of auspicious, praiseworthy, immeasurable virtues—rare among other kings and exceptional in the world—the great king, after deciding together with his ministers, resolved to regard him as Yuvarāja, the crown prince.

Context

King Dasaratha in consultation with his ministers observed that Rama is endowed with various virtues not found in other kings, immeasurable virtues which are praiseworthy, and exemplary. He is distinguished in this world as all qualities seem to have merged in him. The king then made up his mind to make him prince-regent.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Ministers (Sacivas)
• Yuvarāja (crown prince office)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma requires discerning merit and appointing a successor through counsel, not whim—virtue and public good guide the decision.

What is the narrative situation?

After evaluating Rāma’s exceptional qualities, Daśaratha consults ministers and decides to make him crown prince.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s comprehensive excellence (guṇas) and Daśaratha’s adherence to consultative governance.