Shloka 2.2.9

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

Devanagari script

राजप्रभावजुष्टां हि दुर्वहामजितेन्द्रियैः।परिश्रान्तोऽस्मि लोकस्य गुर्वीं धर्मधुरं वहन्।।2.2.9।।

Transliteration

rāja-prabhāva-juṣṭāṃ hi durvahām ajitendriyaiḥ | pariśrānto 'smi lokasya gurvīṃ dharma-dhuraṃ vahan || 2.2.9 ||

Translation

For the heavy yoke of dharma in ruling the world is hard to bear for those whose senses are unconquered; bearing it, I have grown weary.

Context

I am weary of carrying on the heavy burden of duty and find it difficult to sustain the rule of dharma. It can be shouldered by those who have royal qualities (of might, courage etc) and not by those who have not controlled their senses.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• dharma (as royal duty)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires mastery over the senses; without self-control, power becomes difficult to wield righteously, and duty becomes an unbearable burden.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha explains why he wishes to step back from rule: the responsibilities of dharmic kingship are weighty and demand inner discipline.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sense-control (indriya-jaya) as a prerequisite for ethical leadership, alongside honesty about one’s waning strength.