Shloka 2.109.31

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

Devanagari script

सत्यं च धर्मं च पराक्रमं च भूतानुकम्पां प्रियवादितां च।द्विजातिदेवातिधिपूजनं च पन्थानमाहुस्त्रिदिवस्य सन्तः।।2.109.31।।

Transliteration

satyaṃ ca dharmaṃ ca parākramaṃ ca bhūtānukampāṃ priyavāditāṃ ca |

dvijāti-devātithi-pūjanaṃ ca panthānam āhus tridivasya santaḥ || 2.109.31 ||

Translation

The virtuous declare that truth, dharma, valour, compassion toward beings, gentle speech, and honouring brahmins, gods, and guests—these are the path that leads to heaven.

Context

The virtuous maintain that truthfulness, righteousness, valour, compassion towards all beings, speaking pleasing words, paying homage to gods, brahmins and guests -- all these are paths to heaven.

Characters & Entities

• tridiva (heaven)
• dvijāti (brahmins)
• deva (gods)
• atithi (guest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is a composite of satya (truth), moral duty, courage, compassion, kind speech, and reverence/hospitality—together forming the approved path of the righteous.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma outlines a positive ethical program in response to Jābāli: instead of denying moral order, he enumerates virtues upheld by the ‘santaḥ’.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya anchored in compassion: Rāma frames righteousness as both principled (truth/duty) and humane (kindness, hospitality).