Shloka 2.109.15

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

Devanagari script

एकः पालयते लोकमेकः पालयते कुलम्।मज्जत्येको हि निरय एक स्स्वर्गे महीयते।।2.109.15।।

Transliteration

ekaḥ pālayate lokam ekaḥ pālayate kulam | majjaty eko hi niraye ekaḥ svarge mahīyate ||

Translation

One man safeguards the world; another merely maintains his family. One sinks into hell, while another is honored in heaven—such are the outcomes shaped by truth and untruth.

Context

One protects the world. Another runs his family. One plunges into hell. Another is honoured in heaven. (These are the fruits of truth and untruth).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Jābāli
• Niraya (hell)
• Svarga (heaven)

FAQs

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

Human choices create divergent moral destinies; truth elevates and is honored, while untruth degrades and leads to ruin.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma contrasts life-paths and consequences to show that ethical speech and fidelity to truth determine both social honor and spiritual outcome.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability: recognizing that one’s integrity (or lack of it) shapes one’s fate and reputation.