Shloka 1.42.1

गङ्गावतरण-प्रार्थना (Bhagīratha’s Petition for the Descent of Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

कालधर्मं गते राम सगरे प्रकृतीजना:।राजानं रोचयामासुरंशुमन्तं सुधार्मिकम्।।1.42.1।।

Transliteration

kāladharmaṃ gate rāma sagare prakṛtījanāḥ |

rājānaṃ rocayāmāsur aṃśumantaṃ sudhārmikam ||

Translation

O Rāma, when Sagara met the law of time (death), the ministers and the people approved and installed the highly righteous Anuśumān as king.

Context

"O Rama! when Sagara died, the subjects installed the highly virtuous Anshuman as king.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sagara
• Anuśumān (Aṃśumat)
• Prakṛtījanāḥ (ministers and subjects)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma: orderly and legitimate succession ensures stability; a righteous ruler is chosen with the consent of the polity, reflecting dharmic governance.

What is the narrative situation?

After King Sagara’s death, the state—ministers and subjects—recognizes Anuśumān’s virtue and establishes him as king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Anuśumān’s righteousness (sudhārmikatva), making him fit to uphold the kingdom’s moral and administrative order.