Shloka 4.38.22

उद्योगप्रवर्तनम् (Mobilization and Counsel on Kingship)

Devanagari script

अमित्राणां वधे युक्तो मित्राणां सङ्ग्रहे रतः।।4.38.22।।त्रिवर्गफलभोक्ता तु राजा धर्मेण युज्यते।

Transliteration

amitrāṇāṃ vadhe yukto mitrāṇāṃ saṅgrahe rataḥ | trivargaphalabhoktā tu rājā dharmeṇa yujyate ||

Translation

A king, fit to subdue enemies and devoted to securing friends, enjoys the fruits of the three aims of life; such a ruler is truly joined to dharma.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Enemies (amitra)
• Friends (mitra)
• Trivarga (dharma-artha-kāma)

FAQs

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

Rāja-dharma is protective and relational: restrain or destroy threats (amitra) and preserve alliances (mitra). When power is exercised with righteousness, the ruler legitimately attains dharma, artha, and kāma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues giving governance counsel to Sugrīva, defining a dharmic king by enemy-control, friend-protection, and balanced human aims.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Just leadership—firmness against harm and loyalty toward allies, guided by dharma.