Shloka 2.16.8

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

Devanagari script

तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।।।

Transliteration

kareṇumātaṅgarathāśvasaṅkulaṃ mahājanaughaparipūrṇacatvaram | prabhūtaratnaṃ bahupaṇyasañcayaṃ dadarśa rāmo ruciraṃ mahāpatham ||

Translation

Rama beheld the splendid main road—thronged with she-elephants, elephants, chariots, and horses; its crossroads packed with great crowds; rich with gems and abundant with stores of merchandise.

Context

Sumantra beheld Rama, who resembled Kubera. Rama was sitting on a richlycovered golden couch, welladorned and anointed with precious, pure, fragrant red sandalpaste the colour of which appeared like the blood of a hog. With Sita standing by his side with a fan of yak's tail in her hand Rama, the tormentor of foes,looked like the Moon united with (the star) Chitra.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Ayodhya (implied by setting)

FAQs

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

Dharma is reflected in civic prosperity under righteous governance: orderly crowds, commerce, and wealth symbolize a society functioning within moral and social law.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rama proceeds, he observes Ayodhya’s main thoroughfare bustling with people, vehicles, animals, and trade.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s suitability for kingship is implied: the city’s orderly abundance anticipates rule aligned with dharma and public welfare.