Shloka 2.17.3

रामस्य राजमार्गगमनम् (Rama’s Progress along the Royal Highway)

Devanagari script

चन्दनानां च मुख्यानामगरूणां च सञ्चयैः।।।।उत्तमानां च गन्धानां क्षौमकोशाम्बरस्य च।अविद्धाभिश्च मुक्ताभिरुत्तमैस्स्फाटिकैरपि।।।।शोभमानमसंबाधैस्तं राजपथमुत्तमम्।संवृतं विविधैःपुष्पैर्भक्ष्यैरुच्चावचैरपि।।।।

Transliteration

candanānāṃ ca mukhyānām agarūṇāṃ ca sañcayaiḥ |

uttamānāṃ ca gandhānāṃ kṣaumakośāmbarasya ca |

aviddhābhiś ca muktābhir uttamaiḥ sphāṭikair api |

śobhamānam asaṃbādhais taṃ rājapatham uttamam |

saṃvṛtaṃ vividhaiḥ puṣpair bhakṣyair uccāvacair api ||

Translation

The royal highway was splendid and unconfined—heaped with choice sandal and agaru, fine perfumes, and bundles of white silk; it shone with pristine pearls and excellent crystal objects, and was strewn with many kinds of flowers and assorted foods.

Context

The highway (Rama entered) was splendid and spacious with heaps of sandal and agaru of the highest quality, excellent fragrant substances and bundles of white silken cloth. It gleamed with unholed (pristine) pearls, articles made of crystals, flowers of every kind and articles of food of every variety.

Characters & Entities

• royal highway (rājapatha)
• sandalwood (candana)
• agaru (agaru)
• perfumes (gandha)
• white silk/linen garments (kṣauma/kośa-ambara)
• pearls (muktā)
• crystal (sphāṭika)
• flowers (puṣpa)
• foods/offerings (bhakṣya)

FAQs

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

Dharma as public order and auspicious generosity: the city’s orderly, reverent celebration reflects a culture that honors righteous succession and communal well-being.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā’s main road is described as richly adorned and prepared as Rāma proceeds through the city.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective virtue of the citizens: devotion, hospitality, and reverence toward a dharmic prince.