Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 23
अमात्य-गुणवर्णनम्
The Virtues of Daśaratha’s Ministers and the Order of Governance
नाध्यगच्छद्विशिष्टं वा तुल्यं वा शत्रुमात्मनः ।
मित्रवान्नतसामन्तः प्रतापहतकण्टकः ॥
स शशास जगद्राजा दिवं देवपतिर्यथा ॥
nādhyagacchad viśiṣṭaṃ vā tulyaṃ vā śatrum ātmanaḥ |
mitravān natasāmantaḥ pratāpahatakaṇṭakaḥ ||
sa śaśāsa jagadrājā divaṃ devapatir yathā ||
他未曾遇到比他更强、甚至与他相等的敌人。盟友众多，邻国诸王俯首，荆棘般的仇敌为其威力所摧折；这位世界之王治理天下，如同诸天之主统御天界一般。
FAQs
Kṣatriya-dharma includes protecting order by subduing harmful forces; strength is framed as legitimate when used to remove “thorns” (oppressive enemies) and stabilize the realm.
The narration continues the eulogy of Daśaratha, emphasizing his political dominance, alliances, and secure rule.
Pratāpa (royal might) disciplined toward protection and stability, not mere conquest.