Shloka 2.16.34

सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)

Devanagari script

ततो हयवरा मुख्या नागाश्च गिरिसन्निभाः।।।।अनुजग्मुस्तदा रामं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः।

Transliteration

agrataś cāsya sannaddhāś candanāgarubhūṣitāḥ |

khaḍgacāpadharāś śūrā jagmur āśaṃsavo janāḥ ||

Translation

In front of him went brave men, armored and bearing swords and bows, their bodies anointed with sandal and agaru—moving as heralds announcing his approach.

Context

Then the chief commanders riding the best of the horses and elephants, resembling hills in size, followed Rama in their hundreds and thousands.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• warriors/soldiers (śūrāḥ)
• sword (khaḍga)
• bow (cāpa)
• sandal (candana)
• agaru (agarwood)

FAQs

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

Dharma as protective readiness: force is shown as disciplined and ceremonial—meant to uphold order and safeguard the righteous, not to intimidate unjustly.

What is the narrative situation?

A vanguard of armed, ceremonially adorned warriors proceeds ahead of Rāma, acting as heralds.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage under discipline—valor (śaurya) guided by duty and decorum.