Shloka 2.36.3

अयोध्याकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s orders for Rama’s escort; Kaikeyi’s fear; the Asamañjasa precedent

Devanagari script

रूपाजीवाश्च वादिन्यो वणिजश्च महाधनाः।शोभयन्तु कुमारस्य वाहिनीं सुप्रसारिताः।।।।

Transliteration

rūpājīvāś ca vādinyo vaṇijaś ca mahādhanāḥ | śobhayantu kumārasya vāhinīṃ suprasāritāḥ ||

Translation

Let courtesans who live by their beauty, sweet-speaking women, and wealthy merchants with their wares well displayed lend splendor to the prince’s procession.

Context

Let the sweet-tongued courtesans, opulent merchants with well spread-out merchandise make the army of my son graceful.

Characters & Entities

• Prince (Kumāra—Rāma implied)
• Merchants (Vaṇij)
• Courtesans (Rūpājīvāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as rājadhrama—maintaining public order and auspicious social arrangements around a prince’s public movement.

What is the narrative situation?

Instructions are given for arranging a splendid public entourage for the prince, involving various social groups and commerce.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative competence and attention to public ceremony—organizing society’s roles to support the royal household.