Shloka 1.69.4

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

Devanagari script

वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च जाबालिरथ काश्यप:।मार्कण्डेयश्च दीर्घायु:ऋषि: कात्यायनस्तथा।।।।एते द्विजा: प्रयान्त्वग्रे स्यन्दनं योजयस्व मे।यथा कालात्ययो न स्या द्दूता हि त्वरयन्ति माम्।।।।

Transliteration

vacanāt tu narendrasya sā senā caturaṅgiṇī |

rājānam ṛṣibhiḥ sārdhaṃ vrajantaṃ pṛṣṭhato 'nvagāt ||

Translation

At the command of the lord of men, the fourfold army followed behind the king as he proceeded together with the sages.

Context

Let brahmins like Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa, Markandeya endowed with long life, and rishi Katyayana depart in advance. My chariot be yoked and kept ready. Let there be no delay. The messengers (from Janaka) are hastening me up".

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• sages (ṛṣi)
• fourfold army (caturaṅgiṇī senā)

FAQs

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

Dharma as disciplined obedience and social order: rightful command is carried out without confusion, reflecting stability in governance.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha begins the journey with sages accompanying him, and the army follows as escort.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Collective discipline—subjects and soldiers align their actions with legitimate authority.