Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 18
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
हरामि वीर्याद्दुःखं ते तम स्सूर्य इवोदितः।देवी पश्यतु मे वीर्यं राघवश्चैव पश्यतु।।2.21.18।।
harāmi vīryād duḥkhaṃ te tamas sūrya ivoditaḥ |
devī paśyatu me vīryaṃ rāghavaś caiva paśyatu ||2.21.18||
Mit meiner Tapferkeit werde ich deinen Kummer vertreiben, wie die aufgehende Sonne die Dunkelheit vertreibt. Mögest du, o Mutter, meine Stärke bezeugen – und möge Raghava sie ebenfalls bezeugen.
Having heard the words of the magnanimous Lakshmana, Kausalya, depressed and weeping, said to Rama:
FAQs
The verse frames protection of the afflicted (especially one’s elders) as a duty, though true dharma requires that strength be guided by restraint and righteousness.
Lakṣmaṇa attempts to console Kauśalyā, asserting he will act powerfully to remove her grief and demonstrate his capability.
Courage and protective resolve—vīrya presented as a force meant to dispel suffering.