Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 85, Shloka 36
निकुम्भिला
यज्ञविघ्नः — Vibhishana’s Counsel and Lakshmana’s March to Nikumbhila
vividham amalaśastrabhāsvaraṁ tad dhvajagahanaṁ vipulaṁ mahārathaiś ca | pratibhayatamaṁ aprameyavegaṁ timiram iva dviṣatāṁ balaṁ viveśa || 6.85.36 ||
Lakṣmaṇa entered the enemy host—vast, bristling with standards, blazing with spotless weapons and great chariots—terrifying in aspect and of immeasurable speed, like one entering a mass of darkness.
The Rakshasas with disfigured faces and arms, attacked the Vanaras, and their bodies pierced with weapons created great fear in them.
FAQs
Dharma is courageous service to a righteous mission: Lakṣmaṇa advances into danger not for personal glory but to uphold justice and protect the rightful cause.
In the thick of war, Lakṣmaṇa pushes into the enemy formation, described as dense and dark like a shroud of night.
Fearless valor (śaurya) coupled with duty—entering the ‘darkness’ of battle for dharmic ends.