The Ramayana in Sanskrit: Book 2: Chapter 2

This is a passage from the Valmiki Ramayana (Ayodhya Kanda, early chapters), presented in both romanized Sanskrit and Devanagari script, belonging to the ancient Indian epic tradition of Sanskrit mahakavya. The scene depicts King Dasharatha convening his royal assembly to announce his intention to appoint his eldest son Rama as crown prince (yuvaraja), explaining that after thousands of years of rule following the Ikshvaku ancestral path, his body is aged and he wishes to rest by entrusting governance to a worthy successor. The assembled kings and citizens respond with enthusiastic approval, then deliver an extended enumeration of Rama's virtues as justification: he equals Indra in valor, is devoted to truth and dharma, self-controlled, patient, grateful, gentle yet firm, a devoted attendant of elders and brahmanas, and skilled in all weaponry against gods, demons, and humans alike. A notably distinctive feature is the political and social texture of Rama's virtue — the assembly emphasizes not abstract moral qualities but his conduct as a ruler-in-waiting: he returns from every battle victorious, inquires after citizens' welfare like a father, grieves at their misfortunes, and rejoices at their celebrations. The passage closes with the assembly declaring that women, elders, and young alike pray morning and evening for Rama's health and long life, and urging Dasharatha to proceed with the coronation immediately. This is a foundational scene in the Ramayana's narrative, establishing the legitimacy and public love for Rama before the plot's reversal.

The Ramayana in Sanskrit: Book 2: Chapter 2

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