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Vol. XXVII, 2004
UPAVEDAS - ARTHASĀSTRA IN RĀMĀYANA
17
regulations with a proper code of conduct which will envisage peace and comfort in society. Here, it is important to specify that the ruler should have a disciplined life and should follow the ethical code of conduct and has to be a role model to the people, as the saying goes, “yathā rāja tathā prajāh.' As is the king so are the subjects.' In Rāmāyana the word used to rule over the country is itself a very significant one. Normally the term 'śās' is used for ruling over the state. But Vālmiki uses the word 'upāsitva' ruling over the country is 'a dedicated worship.' ‘ramo rajyam upāsitva'. This is the basic quality expected of a ruler. He should have steady mind 'sthiracittaḥ. Vālmiki describes Rāma's kingly personality. His
que as having all 'rājalaksana' kingly symbols according to the 'samudrika śāstra.'
'Vipulaméo mahābāhuh kambugrīvo mahāhanuh Mahorasko mahesvaso gudhajatrurarindamah Ājanubāhuh susirah sulalātah suvikramah subhalaksanah' (VR, 1 - 12)
Having broad shoulders, long arms extending upto knee, big chin, broad chest etc. and his mental capabilities as an ideal king. dharmajñah' 'satyasandhah' 'prajānām hiteratah' “ripunişudanah' dharmasya parirakṣitah' 'sarvalokapriyassādhuh' 'dhanurvede ca nişthitah' 'nītimān' 'āryah' 'sadaikapriyadarśanah’ ‘kālāgnisadęsah krodhe' 'priyadarśanah' 'knower of dharma', 'strict follower of truth', 'protector of dharma', 'amicable to people', 'slater of enemies,' etc. Daśaratha wanted to coronate Rāma, a receptacle of all good qualities, as a heir apparent to the throne as he was the fittest and more proper heir to the throne. Daśaratha knew very well about Rāma and also about the people who love to have him as king. When it was announced, people were so happy that they started to dance like peacocks seeing water bearing clouds. 'vrstimantam mahāmegham nardanta iva barhiņah'. He was not only given training prescribed for a warrior king but also got special training from sage Viśvāmitra. With all that when King Dasaratha called Rāma to disclose the great news of coronation, he gives an advise as to how he was to conduct himself as a king.
‘kāmastvam prakrutyaiva nirņito guņavānasi gunavatyapi tu snehāt putra vakşhyāmi te hitam bhuyo vinayamāsthāya bhava nityam jitendriyah kāmakrodhasamuthitāni tyajesva vyasanāni ca parokşayā vartamāno vrttyā pratyakṣayā tathā amātyaprabhrtīh sarvāh prajāscaiva anuranjaya tasmātputra tvamatmānam niyamyaiva samācara.'
