Shloka 2.1.41
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
इत्येतैर्विविधैस्तैस्तैरन्यपार्थिवदुर्लभैः।।2.1.40।।शिष्टैरपरिमेयैश्च लोके लोकोत्तरैर्गुणैः।तं समीक्ष्य महाराजो युक्तं समुदितैश्शुभैः।।2.1.41।।निश्चित्य सचिवैस्सार्धं युवराजममन्यत।
divy antarikṣe bhūmau ca ghoram utpātajaṃ bhayam | sañcacakṣe 'tha medhāvī śarīre cātmano jarām ||
Thereafter the sagacious king perceived dreadful, portent-born fears in heaven, in the sky, and on the earth—and he also noticed old age overtaking his own body.
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 princeregent.
Awareness of impermanence supports dharmic action: recognizing aging and signs of change, a ruler should timely secure righteous continuity.
As Daśaratha plans succession, he observes ominous portents and feels his own physical decline.
Daśaratha’s prudence—reading circumstances and acting before duty becomes impossible due to age.