Shloka 2.109.22

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

Devanagari script

भूमिः कीर्तिर्यशो लक्ष्मीः पुरुषं प्रार्थयन्ति हि।

सत्यं समनुवर्तने सत्यमेव भजेत तत:।।2.109.22।।

Transliteration

bhūmiḥ kīrtir yaśo lakṣmīḥ puruṣaṁ prārthayanti hi |

satyaṁ samanuvartane satyam eva bhajeta tataḥ ||2.109.22||

Translation

Land, honor, renown, and prosperity indeed seek a man; therefore, in one’s conduct, one should cleave to truth alone.

Context

Land (kingdom) glory, and wealth pursue a man, they long for him even if he is in heaven. Therefore, every one must take recourse to truth alone.

Characters & Entities

• Bhūmi (kingdom/land)
• Kīrti (fame)
• Yaśas (renown)
• Lakṣmī (prosperity)
• Satya (truth)

FAQs

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

Satya is presented as the secure foundation for worldly and moral flourishing; hence truth should guide conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma argues that true success and legitimacy follow truthfulness, not expedient compromise.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Consistency in truth (satya-anuvṛtti): aligning life-practice with truth.