Shloka 2.67.12

अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः (The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm)

Devanagari script

नाराजके जनपदे कारयन्ति सभां नराः।उद्यानानि च रम्याणि हृष्टाः पुण्यगृहाणि च।।।।

Transliteration

vyatītāyāṃ tu śarvaryām ādityasyodaye tataḥ | sametya rājakartāraḥ sabhām īyur dvijātayaḥ ||

Translation

When the night had passed and the sun had risen, the twice-born brahmins—who perform the rites of royal consecration—gathered together and went to the council hall.

Context

In a country where there is no king, no assemblies are convened by pleasure seeking people, nor do they build delightful gardens or sacred edifices.

Characters & Entities

• dvijātayaḥ (brahmins)
• sabhā (assembly hall)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores rajadharma: legitimate kingship is established through sanctioned rites and collective counsel, indicating that political authority should arise from dharmic procedure rather than force.

What is the narrative situation?

At daybreak, brahmins responsible for coronation/investiture rites gather and proceed to the assembly hall, preparing for deliberation and action regarding the kingdom’s leadership.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Institutional responsibility and discipline—those entrusted with sacred civic duties act promptly and in an orderly manner to uphold social and political stability.