Shloka 2.67.15

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 प्रभूतनटनर्तकाः।उत्सवाश्च समाजाश्च वर्धन्ते राष्ट्रवर्धनाः।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade mahāyajñeṣu yajvanaḥ | brāhmaṇā vasusampannā visṛjanty āptadakṣiṇāḥ ||

Translation

In a country without a king, wealthy brahmins who sponsor great sacrifices do not distribute the due sacrificial fees and gifts (dakṣiṇā) to the officiating priests.

Context

In a country without a king, celebrations of associations promoting the welfare of the country, actors and dancers in large numbers do not prosper.

Characters & Entities

• brāhmaṇa (brahmins)
• mahāyajña (great sacrifice)
• dakṣiṇā (sacrificial fee/gift)

FAQs

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

It emphasizes dharmic reciprocity: giving (dāna/dakṣiṇā) sustains sacred work, but generosity weakens when governance and security collapse.

What is the narrative situation?

The argument continues that leaderlessness harms not only politics but also the ritual economy—fees and gifts that maintain priestly functions cease to flow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dāna (charitable giving) as a social virtue—shown as dependent on stable rajadharma that protects wealth and trust.