Shloka 3.59.26

अरण्यकाण्डे एकोनषष्टितमः सर्गः — Maricha’s Mimic Cry and the Rama–Lakshmana–Sita Confrontation

Devanagari script

विकृष्य चापं परिधाय सायकं सलीलबाणेन च ताडितो मया।मार्गीं तनुं त्यज्य स विक्लबस्वरो बभूव केयूरधरस्सराक्षसः।।।।

Transliteration

na svayaṃ kāma-kāreṇa tāṃ tyaktvāham ihāgataḥ |

pracoditaḥ tayāivograis tvat-sakāśam ihāgataḥ ||

Translation

I did not come here of my own will after leaving her; driven by her harsh words alone, I have come to you.

Context

Bending the bow I fixed the arrow and released it at ease. Hit by that arrow he gave up his guise of the deer and assuming the form of a demon with a bracelet on his arm fell down groaning.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• Rama
• Sita

FAQs

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

Dharma is tested when duties conflict: Lakṣmaṇa claims he did not abandon Sītā by choice, suggesting he acted under compulsion—raising the question of steadfastness versus compliance.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa answers Rama’s accusation and explains that Sītā’s forceful words drove him to come to Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and accountability: Lakṣmaṇa reports his motive plainly, without claiming merit.