Shloka 2.58.22

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

वक्तव्यश्च महाबाहुरिक्ष्वाकुकुलनन्दनः।पितरं यौवराज्यस्थो राज्यस्थमनुपालय।।2.58.22।।

Transliteration

vaktavyaś ca mahābāhur ikṣvākukulanandanaḥ | pitaraṃ yauvarājyastho rājyastham anupālaya ||

Translation

Tell that mighty-armed delight of the Ikṣvāku line: established as prince-regent, he should safeguard the kingdom by obediently supporting his father who remains upon the throne.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Daśaratha
• Ayodhyā kingdom (implied)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma grounded in filial duty: governance must align with respect for legitimate authority and service to one’s father/king.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs that Bharata, if acting as prince-regent, must uphold the state while remaining obedient to Daśaratha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility with humility—power exercised under dharma, not personal ambition.