Shloka 2.15.9
अभिषेकसज्जा तथा सुमन्त्रस्य प्रेषणम् (Coronation Preparations and Sumantra’s Commission)
चन्द्रांशुविकचप्रख्यं काञ्चनं रत्नभूषितम्।।2.15.9।।सज्जं तिष्ठति रामस्य वालव्यजनमुत्तमम्।
tad antaḥpuradvāraṃ samatītya janākulam |
praviviktāṃ tataḥ kakṣyām āsasāda purāṇavit || 2.16.1 ||
prāsakārmukabibhradbhir yuvabhir mṛṣṭakuṇḍalaiḥ |
apramādibhir ekāgraiḥ svanuraktair adhiṣṭhitām || 2.16.2 ||
Sumantra, skilled in ancient custom, passed beyond the people-crowded door of the inner apartments and reached a quieter courtyard. It was guarded by devoted young men—alert and focused—bearing spears and bows, their earrings gleaming brightly.
An excellent fan of yak's tail with a staff of gold studded with gems looking like diffused moon-beams was kept ready.
Dharma is protective order: inner spaces are safeguarded by vigilant, loyal guards, showing that righteousness in governance includes responsibility for security, restraint, and disciplined attention.
Sumantra moves deeper into the palace, from a crowded entrance to a quieter guarded courtyard, indicating he is approaching an important private royal space.
Vigilance and devotion in service: the guards embody apramāda (alertness) and loyalty, while Sumantra embodies competence grounded in tradition (purāṇavit).