Shloka 2.2.38
यौवराज्य-प्रस्तावः (Proposal for Rāma’s Installation as Heir-Apparent)
सङ्ग्रामात्पुनरागम्य कुञ्जरेण रथेन वा।2.2.37।।पौरान् स्वजनवन्नित्यं कुशलं परिपृच्छति।।पुत्रेष्वग्निषु दारेषु प्रेष्यशिष्यगणेषु च।2.2.38।।निखिलेनानुपूर्व्याच्च पितापुत्रानिवौरसान्।।
paurān svajanavan nityaṃ kuśalaṃ paripṛcchati |
putreṣv agniṣu dāreṣu preṣyaśiṣyagaṇeṣu ca |
nikhilena anupūrvyā ca pitā putrān ivaurasān || 2.2.38 ||
He would ever inquire after the citizens’ welfare as though they were his own kin—asking fully and in proper order about their children, their sacred fires, their wives, and their servants and pupils, like a father asking after his own sons.
While returning from the battlefield, either on a chariot or an elephant Rama stops and enquires in detail and in order, the welfare of the citizens as he would do for his kith and kin. He enquires about the welfare of their children, sacred rituals, wives, their servants and disciples as a father would enquire of his sons.
Rājadharma grounded in care: the ruler treats subjects like family, ensuring their domestic, social, and ritual well-being with attentive, orderly concern.
The text describes Rama’s habitual public conduct—how he meets citizens and asks after their welfare in a detailed and respectful manner.
Vātsalya (protective compassion) and satya-niṣṭhā (reliable integrity in relationships), shown through consistent, personal concern.