Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 91, Shloka 16
इन्द्रजित्-वधः
The Slaying of Indrajit
तेवध्यमानाहरयोनाराचैर्भीमविक्रमैः ।।।।सौमित्रिंशरणंप्राप्ताःप्रजापतिमिवप्रजाः ।
te vadhyamānā harayo nārācair bhīma-vikramaiḥ |
saumitriṃ śaraṇaṃ prāptāḥ prajāpatiṃ iva prajāḥ ||
Those Vanaras—though of dreadful prowess—being struck by the sharp arrows, sought refuge in Lakshmana, just as people seek refuge in the Lord of creatures.
(The Vanaras), though endowed with prowess and of terrific courage, struck by the Rakshasa, they sought refuge of Lakshmana, their Lord, just as people seek the refuge of their Lord, the creator.
FAQs
Śaraṇāgati (seeking rightful protection) and the leader’s dharma of guardianship: those under threat turn to a righteous protector, who must not abandon them.
Under Indrajit’s fierce assault, the Vanaras regroup by taking shelter near Lakshmana.
Lakshmana’s protective leadership is emphasized—he is portrayed as a reliable refuge for allies in संकट (crisis).