Shloka 2.67.34

अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः (The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm)

Devanagari script

राजा सत्यं च धर्मश्च राजा कुलवतां कुलम्।राजा माता पिता चैव राजा हितकरो नृणाम्।।।।

Transliteration

rājā satyaṃ ca dharmaś ca rājā kulavatāṃ kulam |

rājā mātā pitā caiva rājā hitakaro nṛṇām || 2.67.34 ||

Translation

The king is truth and dharma; the king is the very standing of noble families. The king is mother and father as well—the king is the doer of welfare for the people.

Context

The king is the protector of truth and righteousness, of men of good families. He is father, and mother. He alone renders welfare of the people.

Characters & Entities

• rājā (king)
• satya (truth)
• dharma (righteousness)

FAQs

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

Kingship is defined as moral guardianship and public welfare: the ruler embodies and safeguards satya and dharma and serves society with parental responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

In urging consecration of a new ruler, the speakers describe the king’s comprehensive role in sustaining social and moral life.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Benevolence and responsibility—care for subjects as a parent would.