Shloka 3.57.19

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

Devanagari script

न मेऽस्ति संशयो वीर सर्वथा जनकात्मजा।।।।विनष्टा भक्षिता वापि राक्षसैर्वनचारिभिः।अशुभान्येव भूयिष्ठं यथा प्रादुर्भवन्ति मे।।।।

Transliteration

gṛhītvā ca karaṃ savyaṃ lakṣmaṇaṃ raghunandanaḥ |

uvāca madhurodarkaṃ idaṃ paruṣam ārtimat ||

Translation

Then Rāma, delight of the Raghu line, took hold of Lakṣmaṇa’s left hand and, grief-stricken, spoke words that were tender in intent yet harsh in their sting.

Context

O heroic Lakshmana! I see many inauspicious omens. I think Sita might have been lost or eaten away by the demons of the forest. There is no doubt about it.

Characters & Entities

• Rama (Raghunandana)
• Lakshmana

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma in speech: even when compelled by grief, one must strive to align words with truth and with the welfare of loved ones.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, fearing for Sītā, physically steadies Lakṣmaṇa by the hand and prepares to address him under emotional strain.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s deep attachment and responsibility—his grief reveals how seriously he holds the duty of protection.