Shloka 2.67.24

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 योगक्षेमं प्रवर्तते।नचाप्यराजके सेना शत्रून्विषहते युधि।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade yogakṣemaṃ pravartate | na cāpy arājake senā śatrūn viṣahate yudhi ||

Translation

In a land without a king, yoga-kṣema—secure protection and peaceful enjoyment of what is possessed—does not prevail; and without kingship, the army too cannot withstand enemies in battle.

Context

In a country without a king, there is no security of possessions and the army cannot withstand the enemy in a battle.

Characters & Entities

• yogakṣema
• senā (army)
• śatru (enemies)

FAQs

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

Kingship is a dharmic institution for yogakṣema—ensuring welfare, protection of property, and collective defense; without it, both prosperity and security collapse.

What is the narrative situation?

The counselors argue for immediate establishment of rule, warning that internal insecurity and external threats rise together in a leaderless state.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast protection (rakṣā) and strategic strength—virtues expected of righteous governance.