Shloka 2.67.36

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

Devanagari script

अहो तम इवेदं स्यान्नप्रज्ञायेत किञ्चन।राजा चे न्न भवे ल्लोके विभज साध्वसाधुनी।।।।

Transliteration

aho tama ivedaṃ syān na prajñāyeta kiñcana |

rājā cen na bhave loke vibhajan sādhv asādhunī || 2.67.36 ||

Translation

Alas—this world would be like darkness, and nothing could be discerned, if there were no king to distinguish between good and evil deeds.

Context

If the king did not show the distinction between the good and evil actions, this world would have been enveloped by darkness. Nothing could have been seen. How great (is the king)?

Characters & Entities

• rājā (king)
• sādhu/asādhu (good/evil)

FAQs

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

Dharma depends on clear moral discernment supported by just authority; the king’s role is to make ethical distinctions effective in public life.

What is the narrative situation?

The assembly argues that without a ruler, moral and legal clarity collapses, so consecration must proceed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Judiciousness—ability to distinguish and uphold right over wrong.