Valmiki Ramayana 2.31.17 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 31, Shloka 17
लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः
Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons
एवं कुरुष्व सौमित्रे मत्कृते रघुनन्दन।अस्माभिर्विप्रहीणाया मातुर्नो न भवेत्सुखम्।।।।
evaṃ kuruṣva saumitre matkṛte raghunandana |
asmābhir viprahīṇāyā mātur no na bhavet sukham || 2.31.17 ||
So handle, o Saumitra, um meinetwillen, o Wonne des Raghu-Geschlechts; denn wenn unsere Mutter von uns getrennt ist, wird ihr kein Glück zuteil.
O delight of the Raghu race, do this for my sake, since deprived of us, there will be no happiness for our mother, O son of Sumitra!
FAQs
Dharma requires safeguarding a parent’s well-being: a son’s duty is measured by the mother’s welfare, especially when circumstances (exile) threaten abandonment and grief.
Rāma urges Lakṣmaṇa to remain behind (or otherwise ensure care), stressing that their mother’s happiness depends on not being left unsupported.
Rāma’s empathy and responsibility—he prioritizes the emotional and practical security of his mother amid political upheaval.
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