Shloka 1.19.16

विश्वामित्रस्य यज्ञरक्षा-याचना (Visvamitra Requests Rama for Yajna-Protection)

Devanagari script

यदिह्यनुज्ञां काकुत्स्थ ददते तव मन्त्रिण:।।।।वसिष्ठप्रमुखा: सर्वे ततो रामं विसर्जय।

Transliteration

yadi te dharma-lābhaṃ ca yaśaś ca paramaṃ bhuvi |

sthitam icchasi rājendra rāmaṃ me dātum arhasi ||

Translation

O king of kings, if you seek the gain of dharma and the highest, enduring fame in this world, it is fitting that you entrust Rāma to me.

Context

O Kakustha! if your counsellors and all other sages headed by Vasishta give their consent, then only you may relieve Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Choosing dharma yields lasting honor: a ruler’s reputation is ethically meaningful when it arises from supporting righteous causes (protecting yajña and sages).

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra frames the king’s decision as a dharmic opportunity—sending Rāma will secure both righteousness and enduring renown.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s kingly duty (rāja-dharma): prioritizing protection of sacred order over private reluctance.