Shloka 2.67.14

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 महायज्ञेषु यज्वनः।ब्राह्मणा वसुसम्पन्ना विसृजन्त्याप्तदक्षिणाः।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade yajñaśīlā dvijātayaḥ | satrāṇy anvāsate dāntā brāhmaṇāḥ saṃśitavratāḥ ||

Translation

In a country without a king, even self-controlled brahmins devoted to sacrifice—firm in their vows—do not continue the great sacrificial sessions (satra).

Context

In a country without a king wealthy brahmins, who have performed great sacrifices, do not offer abundance of gifts to the officiating priests.

Characters & Entities

• brāhmaṇa (brahmins)
• yajña (sacrifice)
• satra (extended sacrificial session)

FAQs

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

Dharma is interdependent: ritual and spiritual life require a secure, lawfully governed society. Without a king, even disciplined religious specialists cannot sustain public rites.

What is the narrative situation?

The speakers highlight the breakdown of sacrificial culture in a leaderless state, strengthening the argument that the kingdom must not remain without a ruler.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śama and vrata-niṣṭhā (self-control and steadfast vows), paired with the recognition that personal virtue needs societal protection to flourish.