Shloka 2.5.3
अभिषेकोपवास-आदेशः (Coronation Preparations and the Fast Enjoined)
तथेति च स राजानमुक्त्वा वेदविदां वरः।स्वयं वसिष्ठो भगवान्ययौ रामनिवेशनम्।।।।उपवासयितुं रामं मन्त्रवन्मन्त्रकोविदः।ब्राह्मं रथवरं युक्तमास्थाय सुदृढव्रतः।।।।
sitābhra-śikhara-prakhyaṃ prāsādam adhiruhya saḥ |
samīyāya narendreṇa śakreṇeva bṛhaspatiḥ ||
Ascending the palace that shone like a mountain peak crowned with white clouds, he drew near to the king—like Bṛhaspati approaching Śakra (Indra).
Venerabel Vasistha, the best amongst the knowers of the Vedas, skilled in mantras and firm in his vows said to the king, 'Be it so.' Thereafter, mounted on the best of the chariots befitting a brahmin, with horses harnesed he proceeded personally to the abode of Rama to ask him to undertake a fast in accompaniment with mantras preceding the installation ceremony.
Dharma is the harmonious partnership of spiritual counsel and royal power: the priest approaches the king as a guide, suggesting governance should be aligned with wisdom and truth.
Vasiṣṭha goes up to the palace and meets King Daśaratha, described through a divine analogy.
The verse highlights dignified authority: Vasiṣṭha’s spiritual stature and the king’s eminent position, ideally cooperating for righteous rule.