Shloka 2.17.4

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

Devanagari script

चन्दनानां च मुख्यानामगरूणां च सञ्चयैः।।2.17.3।।उत्तमानां च गन्धानां क्षौमकोशाम्बरस्य च। अविद्धाभिश्च मुक्ताभिरुत्तमैस्स्फाटिकैरपि।।2.17.4।।शोभमानमसंबाधैस्तं राजपथमुत्तमम्। संवृतं विविधैःपुष्पैर्भक्ष्यैरुच्चावचैरपि।।2.17.5।।

Transliteration

candanānāṃ ca mukhyānām agarūṇāṃ ca sañcayaiḥ || 2.17.3 ||

uttamānāṃ ca gandhānāṃ kṣaumakośāmbarasya ca | aviddhābhiś ca muktābhir uttamaiḥ sphāṭikair api || 2.17.4 ||

śobhamānam asaṃbādhais taṃ rājapatham uttamam | saṃvṛtaṃ vividhaiḥ puṣpair bhakṣyair uccāvacair api || 2.17.5 ||

Translation

In this continuous, composite presentation, the royal road is described as adorned with fine sandal and agaru, choice perfumes and white silk, shining with pristine pearls and excellent crystal objects, and strewn with many kinds of flowers and varied 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)
• pearls (muktā)
• crystal (sphāṭika)
• flowers (puṣpa)
• foods/offerings (bhakṣya)

FAQs

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

The same dharmic theme as 2.17.3–5: auspicious public order and generosity surrounding a righteous prince.

What is the narrative situation?

A repeated/combined textual presentation of the decorated royal road description.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Civic reverence and disciplined celebration in anticipation of dharmic kingship.