Shloka 2.48.17

अयोध्यायाः शोकवर्णनम् (Ayodhya’s Lament and Civic Desolation)

Devanagari script

पादच्छाया सुखा भर्तुस्तादृशस्य महात्मनः।स हि नाथो जनस्यास्य स गति स्सपरायणम्।।2.48.17।।

Transliteration

pādacchāyā sukhā bhartus tādṛśasya mahātmanaḥ |

sa hi nātho janasyāsya sa gatiḥ sa parāyaṇam || 2.48.17 ||

Translation

Even the shade of the feet of such a great-souled lord is happiness. He alone is the protector of this people—he is their course, their goal, their highest refuge.

Context

The shadow of the feet of this magnanimous lord will give us happiness. He alone is the goal and protector of all these people. He is the supreme refuge.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• the people (jana)

FAQs

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

It affirms the dharmic ideal of the ruler as nātha (protector): a just leader becomes the people’s refuge, showing that governance grounded in Satya and Dharma is itself a moral shelter.

What is the narrative situation?

Citizens express that their well-being and direction depend on Rama, intensifying their desire to accompany him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s greatness of soul and protective compassion—he is seen as the people’s ultimate support.