Shloka 1.6.19

अयोध्यावर्णनम् — Description of Ayodhya under Daśaratha

Devanagari script

क्षत्रं ब्रह्ममुखं चासीद्वैश्या: क्षत्रमनुव्रता: ।शूद्रास्स्वधर्मनिरतास्त्रीन्वर्णानुपचारिण: ।।1.6.19।।

Transliteration

kṣatraṁ brahmamukhaṁ cāsīd vaiśyāḥ kṣatram anuvratāḥ |

śūdrāḥ svadharmaniratās trīn varṇān upacāriṇaḥ ||1.6.19||

Translation

The kṣatriyas were guided by the brāhmaṇas; the vaiśyas followed the kṣatriyas; and the śūdras, devoted to their own duties, served the other three varṇas.

Context

The kshatriyas were obedient to brahmins and vaisyas followed kshatriyas. Sudras assisted the three castes and all were fully occupied in their respective professions.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• Brāhmaṇas
• Kṣatriyas
• Vaiśyas
• Śūdras

FAQs

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

Svadharma and social coordination: each group performs its role, and governance is aligned with ethical counsel, producing stability.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator summarizes the harmonious functioning of social groups in Ayodhyā, portraying an ordered society.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Role-ethics and disciplined cooperation—obedience to rightful guidance and commitment to one’s duties.