Shloka 2.16.30
सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)
मेघनादमसम्बाधं मणिहेमविभूषितम्।मुष्णन्तमिव चक्षूंषि प्रभया सूर्यवर्चसम्।।2.16.29।।करेणुशिशुकल्पैश्च युक्तं परमवाजिभिः।हरियुक्तं सहस्राक्षो रथमिन्द्र इवाशुगम्।।2.16.30।।प्रययौ तूर्णमास्थाय राघवो ज्वलितश्श्रिया।
sa parjanya ivākāśe svanavān abhinādayan |
niketān niryayau śrīmān mahābhrād iva candramāḥ ||
Resounding like a storm-cloud in the sky, that magnificent chariot rolled out from the residence—like the moon emerging from behind a great mass of cloud.
The sound emanating from the chariot resembled the thunder. The spacious chariot was decorated with gold and gems which dazzled the eyes as though they shed the lustre of the Sun. The swiftmoving chariot was harnessed by excellent horses as if they were young elephants. Like the thousandeyed Indra, Rama, ablaze with royal splendour, mounted this chariot and sped away.
The verse underscores the ideal of public visibility in righteous leadership: the ruler’s movement is not secretive but emerges openly, marked by auspicious imagery—suggesting accountability and order.
The chariot carrying Rāma emerges from his residence, described through powerful natural similes (storm and moon).
Auspiciousness and dignity (śrī)—a composed majesty that accompanies rightful action.