Shloka 2.67.25

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 हृष्टैः परमवाजिभिः।नरास्संयान्ति सहसा रथैश्च परिमण्डिताः।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade hṛṣṭaiḥ paramavājibhiḥ | narāḥ saṃyānti sahasā rathaiś ca parimaṇḍitāḥ ||

Translation

In a land without a king, even joyful men in well-adorned chariots drawn by superb horses do not set out with vigor; public confidence and festive spirit fade away.

Context

In a country without a king, well-dressed men are no longer enthusiastic to drive on excellent horses and on chariots.

Characters & Entities

• ratha (chariot)
• vājin (horses)

FAQs

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

Righteous rule sustains social confidence and orderly public life; when authority is absent, fear suppresses normal movement and prosperity.

What is the narrative situation?

The council continues to show how anarchy affects daily life, not merely warfare—people stop moving freely even for ordinary or celebratory purposes.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Stability-giving leadership—the capacity to remove fear so society can flourish.