Shloka 2.3.39

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

Devanagari script

ज्येष्ठायामसि मे पत्न्यां सदृश्यां सदृशस्सुतः।।।।उत्पन्नस्त्वं गुणश्रेष्ठो मम रामात्मजः प्रियः।

Transliteration

jyeṣṭhāyām asi me patnyāṃ sadṛśyāṃ sadṛśaḥ sutaḥ |

utpannas tvaṃ guṇaśreṣṭho mama rāmātmajaḥ priyaḥ ||

Translation

O Rāma, from my eldest wife—herself most worthy—you were born a worthy son, foremost in virtues, and dear to me as my own child.

Context

A worthy son of my worthy eldest wife, O Rama, your great virtues have endeared you to me.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• eldest wife (Kauśalyā—implied by context)

FAQs

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

Dharma values guṇa (virtue) as the true basis of worthiness; Daśaratha’s praise ties legitimacy and love to character, not mere birth.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha begins his address by affirming Rāma’s noble birth and outstanding virtues, preparing the ground for the succession announcement.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s guṇa-śreṣṭhatā—excellence in virtues that makes him fit for leadership.