Shloka 1.5.17

अयोध्यानगरवर्णनम् (Description of Ayodhya and the Ikshvaku Royal Setting)

Devanagari script

गृहगाढामविच्छिद्रां समभूमौ निवेशिताम् ।शालितण्डुलसम्पूर्णामिक्षुकाण्डरसोदकाम् ।।।।

Transliteration

gṛhagāḍhām avicchidrāṃ samabhūmau niveśitām | śālitaṇḍulasampūrṇām ikṣukāṇḍarasodakām ||

Translation

Densely filled with homes, leaving no space unused, built upon level ground; it abounded in rice and fine grains, and its water was sweet as sugarcane juice.

Context

Its dwellings were constructed on levelled ground with no space left unutilised it was abundant stocked with fial-grained rice and water which fasted sweet like sugarcane juice.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā

FAQs

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

The verse reflects the dharma of a ruler to ensure food security and civic infrastructure—material well-being as a duty of righteous governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayodhyā is depicted as an efficiently built, well-provisioned capital with natural sweetness and abundance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rājadharma as care for subjects: ensuring plenty, stability, and livable public spaces.