Shloka 1.21.21

बालकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Promise, Vasiṣṭha’s Counsel, and Viśvāmitra’s Weapon-Lore

Devanagari script

इति मुनिवचनात्प्रसन्नचित्तोरघुवृषभस्तु मुमोद भास्वराङ्ग:।गमनमभिरुरोच राघवस्यप्रथितयशा: कुशिकात्मजाय बुध्या।।।।

Transliteration

ikṣvākūṇāṃ kule jātaḥ sākṣād dharma ivāparaḥ |

dhṛtimān suvrataḥ śrīmān na dharmaṃ hātum arhasi ||

Translation

Born in the Ikṣvāku line, you are like dharma itself embodied—another Dharma in visible form. Steadfast, devoted to vows, and illustrious, you must not abandon righteousness.

Context

Satisfied in his mind at the words of the sage (Vasishta), the full one among the Raghus' (Dasaratha) one with wide reputation, his frame shining gave his cheerfulconsent to the son of Kusika for Rama's departure.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē ēkaviṅśassarga:৷৷Thus ends the twentyfirst sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Daśaratha
• Ikṣvāku dynasty
• Dharma (personified ideal)

FAQs

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

A king’s identity is inseparable from dharma; abandoning righteousness (including truth to one’s promise) is portrayed as self-contradiction for an Ikṣvāku ruler.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha counsels Daśaratha after Viśvāmitra’s anger, reminding him of his lineage and urging him not to forsake dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s expected virtues: steadiness (dhṛti), vow-keeping (suvrata), and commitment to righteous conduct as the foundation of kingship.