Shloka 20
तापसाश्रममण्डलदर्शनम्
Entering Dandaka and Meeting the Sages
ते वयं भवता रक्ष्या भवद्विषयवासिनः।नगरस्थो वनस्थो वा त्वं नो राजा जनेश्वरः।।।।
te vayaṃ bhavatā rakṣyā bhavad-viṣaya-vāsinaḥ |
nagarastho vanastho vā tvaṃ no rājā janeśvaraḥ ||
वयं भवद्विषयवासिनस्तस्माद्भवता रक्ष्याः; नगरस्थो वनस्थो वा त्वं नो राजा जनेश्वरः।
The hermitages looked glorified with dances by celestial damsels. They were adorned with vast fire sanctuaries, ladles for sacrificial ceremonies, deer-skins and kusa grass faggots for pots of water, roots and fruits. They looked delightful with huge sacred trees of the forest laden with sweet fruits.
FAQs
Rājadharma: the ruler’s foremost duty is protection of dependents and subjects. Even in exile, Rāma is addressed as king because dharma-based responsibility does not vanish with location.
After welcoming Rāma in the forest region, the sages formally assert their relationship to him as subjects and request his protection from threats in the wilderness.
Rāma’s protective kingship—steadfast responsibility and truth to duty (satya in commitment to dharma) regardless of personal hardship.