Shloka 2.100.9

शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)

Devanagari script

स कच्चिद्ब्राह्मणो विद्वान् धर्मनित्यो महाद्युतिः।इक्ष्वाकूणामुपाध्यायो यथावत्तात पूज्यते।।।।

Transliteration

sa kaccid brāhmaṇo vidvān dharmanityo mahādyutiḥ | ikṣvākūṇām upādhyāyo yathāvat tāta pūjyate ||

Translation

Dear child, is that brahmin—learned, ever devoted to dharma, and radiant—the preceptor of the Ikṣvākus, being honored properly, as is fitting?

Context

O dear child! I trust, the family preceptor of the Ikshvakus, Vasistha, the brahmin (versed in the Vedas), who is learned, ever fixed in virtues and effulgent is being honoured as usual.

Characters & Entities

• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Upādhyāya (family preceptor)
• Vasiṣṭha (implied by traditional context)

FAQs

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

Dharma is safeguarded by honoring the teacher and learned elders; reverence toward the guru sustains right counsel and social order.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma asks whether the dynasty’s spiritual-intellectual anchor (the preceptor) receives due respect in the kingdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for wisdom and disciplined maintenance of righteous institutions.