Valmiki Ramayana · Ayodhya Kanda · Sarga 3
कोष्ठागारायुधागारैःकृत्वा सन्निचयान्बहून्।।2.3.44।। तुष्टानुरक्तप्रकृतिर्यः पालयति मेदिनीम्। तस्यनन्दन्ति मित्राणि लब्ध्वाऽमृतमिवामराः।।2.3.45।। तस्मात्त्वमपि चात्मानं नियम्यैवं समाचर।
koṣṭhāgārāyudhāgāraiḥkṛtvā sannicayānbahūn tuṣṭānuraktaprakṛtiryaḥ pālayati medinīm| tasyanandanti mitrāṇi labdhvā'mṛtamivāmarāḥ tasmāttvamapi cātmānaṃ niyamyaivaṃ samācara|
You shall rule the earth by filling granaries of foodgrains and arsenals and keeping the subjects loyal and contented. The friends of such a person will memain pleased like devatas with nectar. Hence conduct yourself with your mind under control.
— M.N. Dutt (1891)
Commentary
The counsels continue: rule the earth by ensuring prosperity and contentment. The repetition emphasises the core duties of a king: protection, provision, and the happiness of the people. These are the metrics by which Rama will be judged.
प्रजापालनसुख