Shloka 2.37.29

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

न हि तद्भविता राष्ट्रं यत्र रामो न भूपतिः।तद्वनं भविता राष्ट्रं यत्र रामो निवत्स्यति।।2.37.29।।

Transliteration

na hi tadbhavitā rāṣṭraṃ yatra rāmo na bhūpatiḥ | tadvanaṃ bhavitā rāṣṭraṃ yatra rāmo nivatsyati ||

Translation

That land is no kingdom where Rāma is not the king; the very forest where Rāma dwells will become the kingdom.

Context

That is not a kingdom where Rama does not rule. If Rama lives in the forest, that shall be the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kingdom
• Forest

FAQs

What defines a true kingdom according to this verse?

According to this verse, a true kingdom is defined not by its geography or infrastructure, but by the presence of a righteous ruler like Rama.

What is the significance of the forest becoming the kingdom?

It signifies that the essence of the state (Dharma and order) follows the righteous King; thus, even a wilderness becomes a civilized state if Rama resides there.