Shloka 2.67.9

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 विद्युन्माली महास्वनः।अभिवर्षति पर्जन्यो महीं दिव्येन वारिणा।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade vidyunmālī mahāsvanaḥ | abhivarṣati parjanyo mahīṃ divyena vāriṇā ||

Translation

In a land without a king, Parjanya—the thunderous one, wreathed with lightning—does not pour celestial rain upon the earth.

Context

In a country without a king, thunderous clouds garlanded by lightning would no longer water the earth with celestial showers.

Characters & Entities

• Parjanya (rain-god)
• janapada (realm)
• mahī (earth)

FAQs

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

It teaches the interdependence of rājadharma and societal prosperity: just rule sustains order that is metaphorically mirrored in nature’s fertility.

What is the narrative situation?

The ministers argue that kinglessness brings calamity, illustrating it through the image of rain failing in a lawless realm.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Governance as stewardship: leaders must be installed to preserve stability, livelihood, and well-being.