Shloka 1.17.1

सप्तदशः सर्गः — देवसंवादः तथा वानर-ऋक्ष-उत्पत्तिः (Divine Council and the Generation of Vanara Allies)

Devanagari script

पुत्रत्वं तु गते विष्णौ राज्ञस्तस्य सुमहात्मन:।उवाच देवतास्सर्वास्स्वयम्भूर्भगवानिदम्।।।।

Transliteration

putratvaṃ tu gate viṣṇau rājñas tasya sumahātmanaḥ | uvāca devatāḥ sarvāḥ svayambhūr bhagavān idam ||

Translation

When Viṣṇu had resolved to be born as the son of that great-souled king, the Self-born Lord (Brahmā) addressed all the gods with these words.

Context

When Visnu had decided to be born as the son of that great king (Dasaratha), the self-born Lord (Brahma), addressed all devatas :

Characters & Entities

• Viṣṇu
• Brahmā (Svayambhū)
• Devatās
• Daśaratha (implied: 'that great king')

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through divine alignment with righteous kingship: Viṣṇu’s choice of birth within a noble lineage signals that the restoration of moral order begins by honoring legitimate, dharmic social structures.

What is the narrative situation?

Before the birth of Rāma, Brahmā speaks to the assembled gods after Viṣṇu has resolved to become the son of the great king (Daśaratha), initiating the divine plan against adharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s implied virtue of righteous kingship (rājadharma) and greatness of soul (mahātmatā), making him a fitting father for the avatāra.