Shloka 2.3.18

यौवराज्याभिषेक-उपकल्पनम् (Preparations for Rama’s Installation as Yuvaraja)

Devanagari script

देवायतनचैत्येषुसान्नभक्षा स्सदक्षिणाः।।।।उपस्थापयितव्या स्स्युर्माल्ययोग्याः पृथक्पृथक्।

Transliteration

ābadhyantāṃ patākāś ca rājamārgaś ca siñcyatām | sarve ca tālāvacarā gaṇikāś ca svalaṅkṛtāḥ || kakṣyāṃ dvitīyām āsādya tiṣṭhantu nṛpaveśmanaḥ |

Translation

Let banners be fastened, and let the royal roads be sprinkled with water. Let all performers and courtesans (ganikās), beautifully adorned, proceed to the second inner court of the king’s palace and remain stationed there.

Context

Persons to cater food and other eatables and to hold garlands and gifts be stationed at all temples and other places of worship.

Characters & Entities

• patākā (banners)
• rājamārga (royal road)
• nṛpaveśman (king’s palace)
• gaṇikā (courtesans)
• tālāvacara (performers)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma includes orderly public celebration: cleanliness, visible auspicious symbols, and regulated placement of participants to prevent disorder.

What is the narrative situation?

Civic and palace logistics are commanded for the upcoming consecration festivities—decorations, road-sprinkling, and positioning of entertainers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative foresight: the ruler’s concern extends to public hygiene, ceremonial beauty, and disciplined organization.