Shloka 2.16.35

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

Devanagari script

अग्रतश्चास्य सन्नद्धाश्चन्दनागरुभूषिताः।।।।खड्गचापधराश्शूरा जग्मुराशंसवो जनाः।

Transliteration

tato vāditraśabdāś ca stutiśabdāś ca vandinām |

siṃhanādāś ca śūrāṇāṃ tadā śuśruvire pathi ||

Translation

Then, on the road, the sounds of instruments were heard, along with the hymns of praise sung by bards, and the lion-like roars of warriors.

Context

Soldiers, anointing their bodies with pastes of sandal and aloe wood, equipped with armour and holding swords and bows, went ahead heralding his (Rama's) arrival.

Characters & Entities

• bards/panegyrists (vandinaḥ)
• warriors (śūrāḥ)
• musical instruments (vāditra)
• procession route/road (patha)

FAQs

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

Public celebration becomes a moral affirmation: praise and ritual sound mark communal recognition of rightful authority and shared values (satya and dharma embodied in the prince).

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma proceeds, the city’s ceremonial atmosphere is conveyed through music, eulogies, and martial acclamations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective reverence for virtue—society honors what it recognizes as righteous leadership.