Shloka 1.6.26

अयोध्यावर्णनम् — Description of Ayodhya under Daśaratha

Devanagari script

सा योजने च द्वे भूय: सत्यनामा प्रकाशते ।यस्यां दशरथो राजा वसन् जगदपालयत् ।।1.6.26।।

Transliteration

sā yojane ca dve bhūyaḥ satyanāmā prakāśate |

yasyāṃ daśaratho rājā vasan jagad apālayat || 1.6.26 ||

Translation

Spreading outward for two yojanas, that city shone—true to its very name—where King Daśaratha dwelt and ruled, safeguarding the world.

Context

The city where king Dasaratha lived and ruled, spread over a distance of sixteen miles. And it was worthy of its name.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• Daśaratha
• jagat (the world/realm)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as protective rule (apālayat): the king’s duty is to guard the realm so that truth and order can flourish; the city being “satyanāmā” highlights alignment between name, reputation, and reality.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration summarizes Ayodhyā’s extent and radiance and links it directly to Daśaratha’s residence and governance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protectorship and truthfulness-by-action: Daśaratha is presented as a guardian-king whose rule makes the city worthy of its name.