Shloka 1.69.1

एकोनसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Departure to Videha and Marriage Arrangements

Devanagari script

ततो रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां सोपाध्याय: सबान्धव:।राजा दशरथो हृष्ट स्सुमन्त्रमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tato rātryāṁ vyatītāyāṁ sopādhyāyaḥ sabāndhavaḥ |

rājā daśaratho hṛṣṭaḥ sumantram idam abravīt || 1.69.1 ||

Translation

When the night had passed, King Daśaratha—accompanied by his preceptors and kinsmen—joyfully spoke these words to Sumantra.

Context

With the passing of the night king Dasaratha, accompanied by spiritual preceptors and relatives said to Sumantra:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sumantra
• preceptors (upādhyāyaḥ)
• kinsmen (bāndhavaḥ)

FAQs

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

Respect for counsel and tradition: the king proceeds with elders and religious guides, reflecting dharmic governance through consultation and ritual propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

After the night’s rest in Mithilā, Daśaratha begins the next day’s arrangements by instructing his minister/charioteer Sumantra.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s disciplined kingship—acting with guidance (teachers) and family support rather than impulsively.