Shloka 1.5.19
अयोध्यानगरवर्णनम् (Description of Ayodhya and the Ikshvaku Royal Setting)
विमानमिव सिद्धानां तपसाधिगतं दिवि ।सुनिवेशितवेश्मान्तां नरोत्तमसमावृताम् ।।।।
vimānam iva siddhānāṃ tapasādhigataṃ divi | suniveśitaveśmāntāṃ narottamasamāvṛtām ||
Like a heavenly vimāna attained by siddhas through austerity in the skies, it had perfectly ordered rows of dwellings and was inhabited by the noblest of men.
Like an aerial car acquired by the siddhas in heaven through their austerities, the palaces were perfectly constructed in rows and inhabited by the noblest of men.
The imagery links prosperity to merit (tapas) and virtue: dharma and disciplined effort are presented as the foundation of excellence in both people and institutions.
Ayodhyā’s elevated status is emphasized through a celestial comparison and by praising the quality of its inhabitants.
Nobility of character among citizens—ethical excellence as the real ornament of the city.