Shloka 2.61.16

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

न परेणाऽहृतं भक्ष्यं व्याघ्रः खादितुमिच्छति।एवमेतन्नरव्याघ्रः परलीढं न मन्यते।।2.61.16।।

Transliteration

yadyapi triṣu lokeṣu prathitaṃ te mahad yaśaḥ |

sānukrośo vadānyaś ca priyavādī ca rāghavaḥ || 2.61.2 ||

Translation

Although your great fame is renowned throughout the three worlds—that you, O Rāghava, are compassionate, generous, and sweet of speech—

Context

Just as a tiger will not eat the food acquired by another beast, Rama, the tiger (best) among men will not accept the kingdom enjoyed by others.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Daśaratha)

FAQs

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

Public fame and royal authority must rest on lived virtues—compassion, generosity, and truthful, gentle speech—rather than mere power.

What is the narrative situation?

In Sarga 61, the speaker frames Daśaratha’s known virtues while moving toward a sharper critique of the unfolding injustice around Rāma’s succession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The king’s ideal virtues: compassion (anukrośa), generosity (vadānya), and pleasing/ethical speech (priyavāda).