Shloka 2.67.28

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 चन्दनागरुरूषिताः।राजपुत्रा विराजन्ते वसन्त इव शाखिनः।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade candanāgarurūṣitāḥ | rājaputrā virājante vasanta iva śākhinaḥ ||

Translation

In a land without a king, even princes anointed with sandal and agaru do not shine with splendor—like trees that fail to bear the look of springtime bloom.

Context

In a country where there is no king, the princes, anointed with sandal paste and agaru, no longer look graceful like blosoming trees in spring time.

Characters & Entities

• rājaputra (princes)
• candana (sandalwood paste)
• agaru (aloeswood)

FAQs

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

Royal dignity is not mere ornament; it rests on rightful rule and responsibility. Without dharmic kingship, even princes lose their rightful radiance and purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

The counselors emphasize that leaderlessness diminishes the entire royal order, not just common life.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Legitimate authority joined to duty—splendor grounded in dharma rather than display.