Shloka 1.5.9

अयोध्यानगरवर्णनम् (Description of Ayodhya and the Ikshvaku Royal Setting)

Devanagari script

तां तु राजा दशरथो महाराष्ट्रविवर्धन: ।पुरीमावासयामास दिवं देवपतिर्यथा ।।।।

Transliteration

tāṃ tu rājā daśaratho mahārāṣṭra-vivardhanaḥ | purīm āvāsayāmāsa divaṃ deva-patir yathā ||

Translation

In that city King Daśaratha—who fostered the prosperity of his great realm—dwelt as the lord of the gods dwells in heaven.

Context

King Dasartha, augmenting the prosperity of the great kingdom, lived in the city of Ayodhya like Indra in heaven.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Ayodhyā
• Indra (Deva-pati)
• Svarga (heaven)

FAQs

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

The king’s dharma is to increase the welfare of the realm; Daśaratha is praised not merely for power but for prosperity-promoting rule.

What is the narrative situation?

After describing Ayodhyā, the narration introduces Daśaratha as its ruler and characterizes his reign.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rājadharma—protective, prosperity-enhancing kingship aligned with order and public good.