Shloka 1.5.16

अयोध्यानगरवर्णनम् (Description of Ayodhya and the Ikshvaku Royal Setting)

Devanagari script

चित्रामष्टापदाकारां नरनारीगणैर्युताम् ।सर्वरत्नसमाकीर्णां विमानगृहशोभिताम् ।।।।

Transliteration

citrām aṣṭāpadākārāṃ naranārīgaṇair yutām | sarvaratnasamākīrṇāṃ vimānagṛhaśobhitām ||

Translation

Wondrous to behold, laid out like an aṣṭāpada board, filled with throngs of men and women, strewn with every kind of jewel, and beautified by towering multi-storied palaces.

Context

With groups of men and women and adorned with seven-storied palaces, it looked wonderful like a board where the game of ashtapada, is played. It was rich in all kinds of gems.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• Aṣṭāpada

FAQs

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

Dharma is suggested as social order and harmony: a well-structured city with thriving communities indicates governance aligned with justice and welfare.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator continues a panoramic description of Ayodhyā’s design, population, and opulence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective civic virtue: disciplined, harmonious living under righteous rule.