Shloka 1.52.19

वसिष्ठ-आतिथ्यं (Vasiṣṭha’s Hospitality to Viśvāmitra and the Summoning of Śabalā/Kāmadhenu)

Devanagari script

बाढमित्येव गाधेयो वसिष्ठं प्रत्युवाच ह।यथा प्रियं भगवतस्तथाऽस्तु मुनिपुङ्गव।।।।

Transliteration

kaccit te kuśalaṃ rājan kaccid dharmeṇa rañjayan | prajāḥ pālayase vīra rājavṛttena dhārmika ||

Translation

O King, is all well with you? O heroic and righteous one—do you protect your subjects in accordance with dharma and the proper duties of kingship, keeping them content?

Context

The son of Gadhi said to Vasishta, "O Pre-eminent among sages, be it so, O venerable one! they will be done".

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• King (Daśaratha)
• prajāḥ (subjects)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma: a king’s legitimacy rests on protecting subjects according to dharma and ensuring their welfare and contentment.

What is the narrative situation?

A sage addresses the king with the traditional welfare-question, specifically probing whether governance is aligned with dharma and royal duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsible rulership: protection (pālana), justice, and public welfare as the king’s primary virtue.