Shloka 2.109.10

सत्यधर्मप्रतिपादनम् (Rama’s Defense of Truth and Dharma in Reply to Jabali)

Devanagari script

सत्यमेवानृशंसं च राजवृत्तं सनातनम्।तस्मात्सत्यात्मकं राज्यं सत्ये लोकः प्रतिष्ठितः।।2.109.10।।

Transliteration

satyam evānṛśaṃsaṃ ca rājavṛttaṃ sanātanam | tasmāt satyātmakaṃ rājyaṃ satye lokaḥ pratiṣṭhitaḥ ||

Translation

Truth—and compassion without cruelty—are the eternal conduct of kings. Therefore, kingship must be grounded in truth; the world itself stands established upon truth.

Context

Truth and non-violence are the perpetual principles of kings. Therefore, a kingdom is based on truth. This world is firmly established in truth.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Jābāli

FAQs

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

Rājadharma is defined as satya (truthfulness) joined with anṛśaṃsā (non-cruel compassion); legitimate rule and social order depend on truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma begins his philosophical rebuttal: he rejects counsel that undermines moral foundations and reasserts truth as the basis of governance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral leadership: Rāma articulates kingship as ethical responsibility, not mere power or pleasure.