Shloka 2.14.56

सत्यपाशः — Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise

Devanagari script

क्षिप्रमाज्ञाप्यतां राजन्राघवस्याभिषेचनम्।यथा ह्यपालाः पशवो यथा सेना ह्यनायका।।।।यथा चन्द्रं विना रात्रिर्यथा गावो विना वृषम्।एवं हि भविता राष्ट्रं यत्र राजा न दृश्यते।।।।

Transliteration

kṣipram ājñāpyatāṃ rājan rāghavasyābhiṣecanam | yathā hy apālāḥ paśavo yathā senā hy anāyakā ||

Translation

O King, let Rāghava’s consecration be commanded without delay—for cattle without a keeper and an army without a leader are left in disorder.

Context

O king Rama's installation may be promptly ordered. As herds without herdsman, army without commander, night without the Moon, and cows without a bull, so is a kingdom without a king.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Daśaratha
• Rāghava (Rāma)
• abhiṣeka (coronation)

FAQs

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

Rulership is protective dharma: a kingdom requires a visible, guiding authority; delay in establishing leadership harms social order.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra presses Daśaratha to issue the order for Rāma’s coronation immediately, using analogies of leaderless groups.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom in counsel: Sumantra ties ritual action (abhiṣeka) to governance and public welfare.