Shloka 1.7.3

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

Devanagari script

धृष्टिर्जयन्तो विजयस्सिद्धार्थो ह्यर्थसाधक: ।अशोको मन्त्रपालश्च सुमन्त्रश्चाष्टमोऽभवत् ।।।।

Transliteration

tair mantribhir mantrahite niyuktair vṛto 'nuraktaiḥ kuśalaiḥ samarthaiḥ |

sa pārthivo dīptim avāpa yuktas tejomayair gobhir ivodito 'rkaḥ ||

Translation

Surrounded by those ministers—appointed for counsel that served his welfare, loyal, skilled, and capable—the king attained radiance, like the rising sun filled with luminous rays.

Context

The eight ministers were Dhrishti, Jayanta,Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadhaka, Ashoka, Mantrapala and Sumantra.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• ministers (collective)
• sun (Arka)

FAQs

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

Dharma is strengthened through right counsel: when a ruler is supported by loyal and competent advisers committed to the king’s and kingdom’s welfare, governance becomes luminous and effective.

What is the narrative situation?

The sarga closes by summarizing how Daśaratha’s capable council enhances his glory and stability, using the sun metaphor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fitness to rule through wise collaboration—glory arising from competent, welfare-oriented counsel.