Shloka 2.80.6

मर्गनिर्माणम् (Roadworks and the Royal Route Prepared for Bharata)

Devanagari script

लतावल्ली श्च गुल्मांश्च स्थाणूनश्मन एव च।जनायांचक्रिरे मार्गं छिन्दन्तो विविधान्द्रुमान्।।।।

Transliteration

sacandratārāgaṇamaṇḍitaṃ yathā nabhaḥ kṣapāyām amalaṃ virājate | narendramārgaḥ sa tathā vyarājata krameṇa ramyaḥ śubhaśilpinirmitaḥ ||

Translation

As the pure night-sky shines adorned with the moon and clusters of stars, so too the king’s road—lovely, orderly in due sequence, and fashioned by skilled artisans—shone in splendor.

Context

Clearing and cutting branches of various trees and creepers, shrubs, plants branchless trees and hewing boulders, the road was paved by the king's men.

FAQs

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

Dharma as order (krama) and clarity (amala): when work is done truthfully and skillfully, it creates a social world as intelligible and dependable as the night-sky’s pattern.

What is the narrative situation?

A concluding description praises the completed royal road, comparing its beauty and orderliness to a moon-and-star-filled sky.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to excellence and truth in workmanship—quality that can be publicly seen and trusted.