Shloka 2.12.28

द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse (Ayodhya Kanda 12)

Devanagari script

परिवादोऽपवादो वा राघवे नोपपद्यते।।2.12.27।।सान्त्वयन्सर्वभूतानि राम श्शुद्धेन चेतसा।गृह्णाति मनुजव्याघ्र प्रियैर्विषयवासिनः।।2.12.28।।

Transliteration

sāntvayan sarvabhūtāni rāmaḥ śuddhena cetasā | gṛhṇāti manujavyāghra priyair viṣayavāsinaḥ ||

Translation

With a pure heart, Rāma—the tiger among men—soothes and reassures all beings, and by deeds that delight them wins over the inhabitants of the realm.

Context

The best among men, Rama has won the trust of the inhabitants of the country by securing their affection with a pure heart and by doing acts dear to them. Therefore, neither a word of blame nor reproach applies to this scion of the Raghu dynasty (Rama).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Inhabitants of the realm (viṣayavāsinaḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma in leadership is grounded in purity of intention and benevolent conduct that secures the welfare and trust of the people.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha describes Rāma’s relationship with the citizens to show that exile is unjust and socially disruptive.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion, public-spiritedness, and purity of heart (śuddha-cetas) are emphasized.