Shloka 3.57.16

मारीचवधोत्तरं रामस्य शङ्का-निमित्त-दर्शनं लक्ष्मण-निग्रहश्च (After Maricha’s Slaying: Omens, Anxiety, and Rama’s Rebuke of Lakshmana)

Devanagari script

सञ्जगर्हेऽथ तं भ्राता ज्येष्ठो लक्ष्मणमागतम्।।।।विहाय सीतां विजने वने राक्षससेविते।

Transliteration

sañjagarhe'tha taṃ bhrātā jyeṣṭho lakṣmaṇamāgatam | vihāya sītāṃ vijane vane rākṣasasevite ||

Translation

Then the elder brother Rāma reproached Lakṣmaṇa, who had arrived after leaving Sītā behind in the desolate forest infested with demons.

Context

In this situation Rama the elder brother rebuked Lakshmana for having left Sita behind in a desolate forest infested with demons.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Sita
• Rakshasas

FAQs

Why did Rama rebuke Lakshmana in this verse?

Rama rebuked Lakshmana because he left Sita unprotected in a dangerous forest infested with demons to come look for Rama, thereby violating his primary duty of guarding her.

What is the significance of the word 'rākṣasasevite' in this context?

The term 'rākṣasasevite' (infested/frequented by demons) highlights the immediate peril Sita was left in, emphasizing the gravity of Lakshmana's error in judgment according to Rama.