Shloka 1.6.28

अयोध्यावर्णनम् — Description of Ayodhya under Daśaratha

Devanagari script

तां सत्यनामां दृढतोरणार्गलांगृहैर्विचित्रैरुपशोभितां शिवाम् ।पुरीमयोध्यां नृसहस्रसङ्कुलांशशास वै शक्रसमो महीपति: ।।1.6.28।।

Transliteration

tāṃ satyanāmāṃ dṛḍhatoraṇārgalāṃ gṛhair vicitrair upaśobhitāṃ śivām |

purīm ayodhyāṃ nṛsahasrasaṅkulāṃ śaśāsa vai śakrasamo mahīpatiḥ || 1.6.28 ||

Translation

That auspicious Ayodhyā—true to its name, secured with strong gateways and firm bolts, adorned with splendid houses, and thronged with thousands of people—was ruled by the lord of the earth, Daśaratha, comparable to Indra in majesty.

Context

The king who equalled Indra (in splendour) ruled the invincible city of Ayodhya true to its name with its strong gates and solid locks. It was adorned with wonderful edifices teeming with thousands of men.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē ṣaṣṭhassarga:৷৷Thus ends the sixth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• Daśaratha
• Śakra (Indra)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the creation of an auspicious civic life through security, truthful reputation, and righteous rule: the city is ‘satyanāmā’ (true to its name) because governance makes invincibility and wellbeing real, not merely claimed.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse caps the sarga’s depiction of Ayodhyā, presenting it as secure, prosperous, populous, and righteously ruled by Daśaratha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Majesty in service of order: Daśaratha’s Indra-like splendor is linked to effective protection and the flourishing of the city.