Shloka 2.2.20
यौवराज्य-प्रस्तावः (Proposal for Rāma’s Installation as Heir-Apparent)
तस्य धर्मार्थविदुषो भावमाज्ञाय सर्वशः।ब्राह्मणा जनमुख्याश्च पौरजानपदै स्सह।।2.2.19।।समेत्य मन्त्रयित्वा तु समतागतबुद्धयः।ऊचुश्च मनसा ज्ञात्वा वृद्धं दशरथं नृपम्।।2.2.20।।
tasya dharmārtha-viduṣo bhāvam ājñāya sarvaśaḥ |
brāhmaṇā janamukhyāś ca paura-jānapadaiḥ saha || 2.2.19 ||
sametyā mantrayitvā tu samatāgata-buddhayaḥ |
ūcuś ca manasā jñātvā vṛddhaṃ daśarathaṃ nṛpam || 2.2.20 ||
Having fully understood the intention of Daśaratha—skilled in dharma and statecraft—brahmins, leading citizens, and the people of town and countryside gathered together. After deliberating and reaching a single, unanimous view, they addressed the aged King Daśaratha with their considered conclusion.
Brahmins, kings and other prominent men, inhabitants of towns and villages having fully known the views of Dasaratha who was conversant with artha and dharma joined together and deliberated. They thought out well and having arrived at unanimity in their thinking thus addressed the aged king Dasaratha.
Dharma here is collective prudence in governance: public stakeholders deliberate, seek unanimity, and then speak responsibly to the king. Legitimate royal action is shown as aligned with counsel (mantra) and ethical-political wisdom (dharma + artha).
Key social and religious leaders, together with the wider populace, confer and decide what to request from Daśaratha—preparing to propose Rāma’s elevation as yuvarāja.
The assembly’s virtue of discernment and unity: careful thought, consultation, and consensus before advising the ruler.