Shloka 5.31.3
सुन्दरकाण्डे एकत्रिंशः सर्गः — Hanuman’s Sweet Address to Sita and Sita’s Recognition
राजर्षीणां गुणश्रेष्ठस्तपसा चर्षिभि स्समः।चक्रवर्तिकुले जातः पुरन्दरसमो बले।।।।
rājarṣīṇāṃ guṇaśreṣṭhas tapasā cārṣibhiḥ samaḥ | cakravartikule jātaḥ purandarasamo bale ||
Among royal sages he was the most virtuous; in austerity he was equal to the seers. Born in the line of emperors, he was in might like Purandara (Indra).
"He was the most virtuous among royal sages, equal to sages in austerity, born in the race of emperors and equal to Indra in might.
True kingship (rājadharma) is grounded in inner virtue and disciplined self-restraint (tapas), not merely power; strength is praised when anchored in moral excellence.
In captivity, Sītā recollects the stature and qualities of the Ikṣvāku king (Daśaratha), as part of her remembrance of Rāma’s world and lineage.
Daśaratha’s exemplary virtue: ascetic discipline like sages and sovereign strength like Indra—an ideal fusion of restraint and power.