Shloka 45
लक्ष्मण-प्राणरक्षा:
Lakshmana’s Revival by the Herb-Mountain
न हिप्रतिज्ञांकुर्वन्तिवितथांसत्यवादिनः ।।।।लक्षणंहिमहत्त्वस्यप्रतिज्ञापरिपालनम् ।
na hi pratijñāṃ kurvanti vitathāṃ satyavādinaḥ |
lakṣaṇaṃ hi mahattvasya pratijñāparipālanam ||
Wahrhaftige legen keine leeren Gelübde ab; das Einhalten des Versprechens ist wahrlich das Kennzeichen der Größe.
'Lakshmana, my brother, is praised for his efficiency in war, is endowed with auspicious marks. If he is met with death, what use is my happiness and life for me?'
FAQs
Satya expressed as vow-keeping: a righteous person’s word must become reality; fidelity to one’s pledge is a defining sign of moral greatness.
As Rāma is emotionally shaken in the battle, an ally urges him to return to his dharmic resolve by remembering the sanctity of his vow.
Integrity—steadfastness to one’s pledged word (pratijñā) as the hallmark of a great ruler and warrior.