Shloka 2.2.54
यौवराज्य-प्रस्तावः (Proposal for Rāma’s Installation as Heir-Apparent)
तं देव देवोपममात्मजं तेसर्वस्य लोकस्य हिते निविष्टम्।हिताय नः क्षिप्रमुदारजुष्टंमुदाऽभषेक्तुं वरद त्वमर्हसि।।2.2.54।।
teṣām āyācitaṃ deva tvatprasādāt samṛddhyatām | rāmam indīvaraśyāmaṃ sarvaśatrunibarhaṇam || 2.2.53 || paśyāmo yauvarājyasthaṃ tava rājottamātmajam |
O King, by your favor may their prayer be fulfilled: may we see your son Rama—dark as the blue lotus, destroyer of all foes—installed in the office of prince-regent.
O bestower of boons! it behoves you to install with delight and without delay your son (Rama) endowed with all virtues equal to god of the gods and committed to our well-being and to the welfare of this world, as your heir-apparent.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē dvitīyassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the second sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
The people seek a dharmic transfer of power: installing a worthy heir is framed as fulfilling a collective prayer and safeguarding order and truth in the kingdom.
Subjects appeal to Daśaratha to consecrate Rama as yuvarāja, expressing broad social desire for Rama’s leadership.
Protective capability aligned with righteousness—Rama as ‘sarvaśatrunibarhaṇa’ (foe-subduer) in service of dharma, not aggression.