Shloka 2.2.5

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

Devanagari script

सोऽहमिक्ष्वाकुभि स्सर्वैर्नरेन्द्रैः परिपालितम्।श्रेयसा योक्तुकामोऽस्मि सुखार्हमखिलं जगत्।।2.2.5।।

Transliteration

idaṃ śarīraṃ kṛtsnasya lokasya caratā hitam | pāṇḍurasyātapatrasya chāyāyāṃ jaritaṃ mayā || 2.2.7 ||

Translation

This body of mine has grown old as I strove for the welfare of the entire world, ruling beneath the shade of the white royal parasol.

Context

I desire to accomplish the welfare of this entire world which deserves the happiness brought about by the rule of all the Ikshvaku kings.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• loka (world)
• pāṇḍura-ātapatra (white royal parasol)

FAQs

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

Leadership is service that consumes one’s life-span; the king’s dharma is to expend personal strength for public welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha points to his aging body as evidence of long service, implying the need for timely succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-sacrifice and perseverance in duty—placing loka-hita (public good) at the center of kingship.