Shloka 2.16.9

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

Devanagari script

तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।2.16.8।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।2.16.9।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।2.16.10।।

Transliteration

sa rāmo ratham āsthāya samprahṛṣṭasuhṛjjanaḥ | patākādhvajasampannaṃ mahārhāgarudhūpitam || apaśyan nagaraṃ śrīmān nānājanasamākulam |

Translation

Rama mounted the chariot, his friends rejoicing; and the glorious prince looked upon the city—adorned with flags and pennants, fragrant with costly agaru-incense, and crowded with people of every kind.

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 (city)
• Agaru (fragrant wood/incense)

FAQs

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

Dharma is communal harmony: citizens and companions rejoice in a righteous succession, expressing social unity rather than factionalism.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama rides in a chariot and views Ayodhya festively decorated and crowded, as the city anticipates a major royal event.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lokasaṅgraha (upholding social cohesion): Rama’s presence draws collective joy and orderly celebration.