Shloka 1.6.21
अयोध्यावर्णनम् — Description of Ayodhya under Daśaratha
योधानामग्निकल्पानां पेशलानाममर्षिणाम् ।सम्पूर्णा कृतविद्यानां गुहा केसरिणामिव ।।1.6.21।।
yodhānām agnikalpānāṃ peśalānām amarṣiṇām |
sampūrṇā kṛtavidyānāṃ guhā kesariṇām iva || 1.6.21 ||
It was filled with warriors—fire-like in might, skilled and unyielding, perfected in their disciplines—like a mountain cave crowded with lions.
It abounded with warriors, like a cave with lions. They were almost like flaming fire, the most determined among experts and accomplished in learning (the science of arms).
Dharma here appears as social protection: disciplined, well-trained defenders are part of righteous order, ensuring safety so that citizens can live and pursue lawful duties.
The poet depicts Ayodhyā’s strength by describing its abundance of elite warriors, reinforcing the city’s stability under Daśaratha.
Professional excellence joined with steadfastness: the warriors are portrayed as peśala (highly skilled) and amarṣin (unyielding), indicating disciplined courage in defense of the realm.