Shloka 2.1.42
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
दिव्यन्तरिक्षे भूमौ च घोरमुत्पातजं भयम्।।।।स़ञ्चचक्षेऽथ मेधावी शरीरे चात्मनो जराम्।
pūrṇacandrānanasyātha śokāpanudam ātmanaḥ | loke rāmasya bubudhe sampriyatvaṃ mahātmanaḥ ||
Then he understood Rāma’s great popularity among the people—Rāma of full-moon countenance—thinking that through him his own sorrow would be driven away.
The sagacious king, too perceived his body ageing and the portentous omens in the heaven, in the sky and on the earth causing dreadful concern.
A dharmic ruler is one who is loved for virtue; public trust (loka-priyatā) is a sign of righteous conduct and rightful leadership.
Daśaratha recognizes that crowning Rāma—beloved by the people—will resolve his inner anxiety and stabilize the realm.
Rāma’s capacity to relieve suffering—both personal grief and social distress—through his character.