Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 72
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
अप्रमत्तो बले कोशे दुर्गे जनपदे तथा।भवेथा गुह राज्यं हि दुरारक्षतमं मतम्।।2.52.72।।
apramatto bale kośe durge janapade tathā | bhavethā guha rājyaṃ hi durārakṣatamaṃ matam || 2.52.72 ||
“ಗುಹ, ಸೇನೆ, ಕೋಶ, ದುರ್ಗಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಜನಪದಗಳ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸದಾ ಅಪ್ರಮತ್ತನಾಗಿರು; ಏಕೆಂದರೆ ರಾಜ್ಯವನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವುದು—ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ—ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದುಷ್ಕರ.”
O Guha! you must be vigilant about your army, treasury, forts and provinces. A kingdom, it is (rightly) said, is protected with great difficulty.
FAQs
Rājadharma: a ruler’s duty is vigilant protection of the state’s pillars—defense, finance, fortifications, and the welfare/security of the people.
Before departing, Rāma offers Guha practical counsel on safeguarding his realm, emphasizing constant alertness.
Responsible leadership—Rāma models concern for orderly governance even amid personal hardship.