Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 63
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
प्रसादयन्नरवृषभ स्समातरं पराक्रमाज्जिगमिषुरेव दण्डकान्।अथानुजं भृशमनुशास्य दर्शनंचकार तां हृदि जननीं प्रदक्षिणम्।।2.21.63।।
prasādayan naravṛṣabhaḥ samātaraṁ parākramāj jigamiṣur eva daṇḍakān | athānujaṁ bhṛśam anuśāsya darśanaṁ cakāra tāṁ hṛdi jananīṁ pradakṣiṇam || 2.21.63 ||
Pacifying his mother, that best of men—resolved through steadfast courage to go to Daṇḍaka—then firmly instructed his younger brother with clear intent, and with heartfelt devotion he circumambulated his mother.
O Rama! who can commit excesses on you, when you stand like Yama, god of death, protected by me with my bow?
FAQs
Dharma is enacted through respectful conduct: calming elders, guiding juniors responsibly, and honoring one’s mother with reverence even amid personal hardship.
After persuading his mother and preparing for exile, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa and performs a reverential circumambulation of Kauśalyā before departure.
Rāma’s composure and reverence—courage in action joined with gentleness toward family and strict adherence to proper conduct.