Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 67, Shloka 34
अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः
The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm
राजा सत्यं च धर्मश्च राजा कुलवतां कुलम्।राजा माता पिता चैव राजा हितकरो नृणाम्।।।।
rājā satyaṃ ca dharmaś ca rājā kulavatāṃ kulam |
rājā mātā pitā caiva rājā hitakaro nṛṇām || 2.67.34 ||
王は真実でありダルマ（正法）である。王は高貴なる家々の支えそのもの。王はまた母であり父でもある――王は人々の益をなす者である。
The king is the protector of truth and righteousness, of men of good families. He is father, and mother. He alone renders welfare of the people.
FAQs
Kingship is defined as moral guardianship and public welfare: the ruler embodies and safeguards satya and dharma and serves society with parental responsibility.
In urging consecration of a new ruler, the speakers describe the king’s comprehensive role in sustaining social and moral life.
Benevolence and responsibility—care for subjects as a parent would.