Shloka 1.5.11

अयोध्यानगरवर्णनम् (Description of Ayodhya and the Ikshvaku Royal Setting)

Devanagari script

सूतमागधसम्बाधां श्रीमतीमतुलप्रभाम् ।उच्चाट्टालध्वजवतीं शतघ्नीशतसङ्कुलाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sūtamāgadhasambādhāṁ śrīmatīm atulaprabhām | uccāṭṭāladhvajavatīṁ śataghnīśatasaṅkulām ||

Translation

It teemed with bards and keepers of genealogies, was prosperous and of incomparable splendour; it had lofty buildings adorned with flags and was crowded with hundreds of śataghnīs, defensive missiles.

Context

With matchless splendour, it abounded in eulogists and genealogists. It contained stately edifices decorated with flags and hundreds of sataghnis (missiles).

Characters & Entities

• sūta (bards)
• māgadha (panegyrists/genealogists)
• śataghnī (weapon/missile)
• dhvaja (flags)

FAQs

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

Dharma integrates culture and protection: the city honors memory and legitimacy through bards while maintaining defense—both support stable, righteous rule.

What is the narrative situation?

The epic continues its portrayal of an ideal capital, highlighting cultural institutions and military preparedness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Balanced kingship: patronage of learning and tradition alongside readiness to defend the realm.