Shloka 2.67.8

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

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकूणामिहाद्यैव कश्चिद्राजा विधीयताम्।अराजकं हि नो राष्ट्रं विनाशं समवाप्नुयात्।।।।

Transliteration

ikṣvākūṇām ihādyaiva kaścid rājā vidhīyatām | arājakaṃ hi no rāṣṭraṃ vināśaṃ samavāpnuyāt ||

Translation

Therefore, let someone from the line of Ikṣvāku be installed as king here, this very day; for a kingdom without a king would indeed fall into ruin.

Context

Therefore, let someone from the race of Ikshvakus be appointed king right now. since without a king, the country will be destroyed.

Characters & Entities

• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• rāṣṭra (kingdom)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: legitimate kingship is necessary for protecting society; delaying lawful succession endangers the common good.

What is the narrative situation?

With Daśaratha dead and Rāma exiled, the ministers urge immediate appointment of a king to prevent anarchy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Public-minded prudence: prioritizing the welfare of the realm over factional or personal interests.