Shloka 1.7.20

अमात्य-गुणवर्णनम् (The Virtues of Daśaratha’s Ministers and the Order of Governance)

Devanagari script

अवेक्षमाणश्चारेण प्रजा धर्मेण रञ्जयन् ।प्रजानां पालनं कुर्वन्नधर्मान्परिवर्जयन् ।।1.7.19।। विश्रुतस्त्रिषु लोकेषु वदान्यस्सत्यसङ्गर: ।स तत्र पुरुषव्याघ्रश्शशास पृथिवीमिमाम् ।।1.7.20।।

Transliteration

ṛtvijau dvāv abhimatau tasyāstām ṛṣisattamau |

vasiṣṭho vāmadevaś ca mantriṇaś ca tathāpare ||

Translation

He also had two esteemed chief sages as royal priests—Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva—along with other counsellors as well.

Context

In the three worlds he (Dasaratha) was acclaimed in the three words as munificient and upholder of truth, a tiger among men, who ruled protecting and guarding the people through spies. He. ruled the kingdom with righteousness by deserting irreligious and keeping the subjects happy.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Vasiṣṭha
• Vāmadeva

FAQs

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

Dharmic kingship is guided by sacred wisdom: the king’s policies and rites are anchored by ṛṣis who embody śāstra and moral authority.

What is the narrative situation?

After naming the ministers, the narration notes Daśaratha’s principal royal priests, indicating a court balanced by political counsel and spiritual guidance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for dharma through reliance on learned sages and proper ritual order.