Shloka 2.109.4

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

Devanagari script

कुलीनमकुलीनं वा वीरं पुरुषमानिनम्।चारित्रमेव व्याख्याति शुचिं वा यदि वाऽशुचिम्।।2.109.4।।

Transliteration

tvattō janāḥ pūrvatārē varāś ca śubhāni karmāṇi bahūni cakruḥ |

jitvā sadēmaṃ ca paraṃ ca lokaṃ tasmād dvijāḥ svasti hutaṃ kṛtaṃ ca || 2.109.35 ||

Translation

In earlier generations, O twice-born, men greater than you performed many auspicious deeds and thereby won both this world and the next. Therefore the twice-born offer oblations and perform rites for the welfare of all.

Context

It is only the character that tells whether a man is high-born or not, brave or onlyproud of his manliness, honest or dishonest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• dvija
• loka (this world and the next)

FAQs

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

Auspicious action (śubha-karman) and Vedic rites are presented as dharmic means to secure well-being in this life and the next.

What is the narrative situation?

Jābāli pivots toward orthodox affirmation, stressing ritual merit and welfare-rites to align with Rāma’s dharma-centered outlook.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Religious responsibility—upholding communal welfare through prescribed offerings and righteous deeds.