Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 53, Shloka 26
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53)
Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
अधर्मभयभीतश्च परलोकस्य चानघ।तेन लक्ष्मण नाद्याह मात्मानमभिषेचये।।।।
adharmabhayabhītaś ca paralokasya cānagha | tena lakṣmaṇa nādyāha m ātmānam abhiṣecaye ||
O blameless Lakṣmaṇa, fearing unrighteousness—and mindful also of the world beyond—therefore I did not have myself consecrated (as king) today.
O sinless one, I did not get myself coronated owing to fear of unrighteous conduct and fear of the other world.
FAQs
Dharma includes accountability beyond immediate gain: Rāma avoids an act that could be unrighteous and spiritually harmful, prioritizing moral law over ambition.
Rāma explains to Lakṣmaṇa why he did not pursue coronation when it would conflict with righteous conduct and consequences in the hereafter.
Moral fear (adharma-bhaya) and spiritual responsibility—acting with awareness of karmic and otherworldly consequences.