Shloka 2.2.24

यौवराज्य-प्रस्तावः (Proposal for Rāma’s Installation as Heir-Apparent)

Devanagari script

श्रुत्वैव वचनं यन्मे राघवं पतिमिच्छथ।राजान स्संशयोऽयं मे किमिदं ब्रूत तत्त्वतः।।2.2.24।।

Transliteration

śrutvaiva vacanaṃ yan me rāghavaṃ patim icchatha |

rājānaḥ saṃśayo ’yaṃ me kim idaṃ brūta tattvataḥ || 2.2.24 ||

Translation

O kings, as soon as you heard my words, you wished Rāma of the Raghu line to be lord and king. Yet a doubt arises in me: tell me truly—does this spring from your inmost conviction?

Context

O kings!, soon after listening to my words, all of you wish Rama to be king. (But) I doubt (in my mind) whether you have said it from your heart৷৷

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Raghu (dynastic reference)
• nṛpāḥ (kings)

FAQs

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

Satya as a pillar of dharma: Daśaratha asks for truthful, heartfelt counsel. Governance should not rest on flattery or haste but on sincere, verified intention.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha responds to the proposal for Rāma’s kingship by questioning whether the request is genuinely meant.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s commitment to truth-testing and responsible decision-making in matters of succession.