Valmiki Ramayana 2.14.56-57: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 14, Shlokas 56-57
सत्यपाशः · Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise
क्षिप्रमाज्ञाप्यतां राजन्राघवस्याभिषेचनम् ।
यथा ह्यपालाः पशवो यथा सेना ह्यनायका ॥५६॥
यथा चन्द्रं विना रात्रिर्यथा गावो विना वृषम् ।
एवं हि भविता राष्ट्रं यत्र राजा न दृश्यते ॥५७॥
kṣipramājñāpyatāṃ rājanrāghavasyābhiṣecanam |
yathā hyapālāḥ paśavo yathā senā hyanāyakā ||56||
yathā candraṃ vinā rātriryathā gāvo vinā vṛṣam |
evaṃ hi bhavitā rāṣṭraṃ yatra rājā na dṛśyate ||57||
राजा, राम की राज्याभिषेक जल्दी कर दो। जैसे बिना चरवाहा के जानवर, जैसे बिन सरदार के सेना, जैसे बिना चाँद की रात, जैसे बिना बैल के गायें। वैसे ही बिना राजा के राज्य रह नहीं सकता।
O king Rama's installation may be promptly ordered. As herds without herdsman, army without commander, night without the Moon, and cows without a bull, so is a kingdom without a king.
FAQs
The verse articulates the fundamental dharmic principle of rajadharma (royal duty). It establishes that a kingdom requires a righteous king for proper governance, just as natural systems require their guiding forces. The absence of leadership leads to chaos and disorder, making the prompt coronation a matter of dharma.
Sumantra urges King Dasharatha to promptly order Rama's coronation. Using powerful metaphors, he emphasizes the necessity of having a king to lead the kingdom, comparing a kingless realm to herds without a herdsman, an army without a commander, night without moonlight, and cows without a bull.
The verse emphasizes the virtue of wisdom and foresight in governance. Sumantra demonstrates his understanding of political philosophy and his duty to ensure the kingdom's stability by advocating for immediate action on the coronation.
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