Shloka 2.16.46

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

Devanagari script

लाभो जनस्यास्य यदेष सर्वंप्रपत्स्यते राष्ट्रमिदं चिराय।न ह्यप्रियं किञ्चन जातु कश्चित्पश्येन्न दुःखं मनुजाधिपेऽस्मिन्।।।।

Transliteration

lābho janasyāsya yad eṣa sarvaṃ prapatsyate rāṣṭram idaṃ cirāya |

na hy apriyaṃ kiñcana jātu kaścit paśyen na duḥkhaṃ manujādhipe 'smin || 2.16.46 ||

Translation

If this Rama should obtain the whole kingdom for a long time, it will be a true gain for the people; for under this lord of men no one would ever behold even the least of what is unpleasant or sorrowful.

Context

If this Rama obtains the entire kingdom for a long time, it will be in the interest of the people. If he becomes king none will ever witness anything unpleasant or sad. (They observed).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Rāṣṭra (the kingdom of Ayodhyā)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: the king’s righteousness is measured by public welfare—freedom from suffering and the absence of injustice are presented as the hallmark of Rama’s rule.

What is the narrative situation?

Onlookers in Ayodhyā voice their hope that Rama will rule, convinced his kingship will bring lasting prosperity and safety.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s benevolence and justice—his capacity to govern so that people do not encounter ‘apriya’ (harm/unpleasantness) or ‘duḥkha’ (sorrow).