Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 1
अमात्य-गुणवर्णनम्
The Virtues of Daśaratha’s Ministers and the Order of Governance
.तस्यामात्या गुणैरासन्निक्ष्वाकोस्तु महात्मन: ।मन्त्रज्ञाश्चेङ्गितज्ञाश्च नित्यं प्रियहिते रता: ।।।।
tasyāmātyā guṇair āsann ikṣvākos tu mahātmanaḥ | mantrajñāś ceṅgitajñāś ca nityaṃ priyahite ratāḥ ||
El magnánimo rey de la estirpe de Ikṣvāku tenía ministros colmados de virtudes: expertos en el consejo, diestros en leer las intenciones por los signos externos, y siempre dedicados a lo que era grato y benéfico para su señor.
The ministers of the great descendent of the Ikshvakus were endowed with all virtues. They were competent counsellors, skilled in judging motives from facial features and were always intent on doing good and all that was dear and helpful to the king.
FAQs
Rajadharma depends on virtuous ministers who pursue not merely what pleases the king, but what truly benefits him and the realm—uniting priya (pleasant) with hita (wholesome good).
The narrator is describing the strength of Daśaratha’s rule by highlighting the caliber and ethical competence of his ministers.
Ministerial integrity and discernment: wise counsel, insight into motives, and steady commitment to the king’s welfare.