HomeRamayanaAranya KandaSarga 66Shloka 3.66.1
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Shloka 3.66.1

लक्ष्मणोपदेशः — Lakshmana Consoles Rama on Fate, Fortitude, and Right Action

तं तथा शोकसन्तप्तं विलपन्तमनाथवत्।मोहेन महताविष्टं परिद्यूनमचेतनम्।।3.66.1।।ततस्सौमित्रिराश्वास्य मुहूर्तादिव लक्ष्मणः।रामं सम्बोधयामास चरणौ चाभिपीडयन्।।3.66.2।।

taṃ tathā śokasantaptaṃ vilapantam anāthavat |

mohena mahatāviṣṭaṃ paridyūnam acetanam || 3.66.1 ||

tataḥ saumitrir āśvāsya muhūrtād iva lakṣmaṇaḥ |

rāmaṃ sambodhayāmāsa caraṇau cābhipīḍayan || 3.66.2 ||

Seeing Rama consumed by grief—wailing helplessly like one without refuge, overwhelmed by profound bewilderment, sunk in misery and as if senseless—Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, quickly tried to console him. In supplication and service he pressed Rama’s feet and spoke to rouse him from his collapse.

Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, consoling the mighty miserable Rama, who was afflicted with sorrow, and was weeping helplessly like an orphan, drowned in great delusion, devoid of consciousness, pressed his feet and addressed him:

R
Rama
L
Lakshmana (Saumitrī)

Dharma here appears as compassionate duty: Lakshmana supports Rama through service and consoling speech, showing that righteousness includes steadiness and care for those who falter under sorrow.

After Sita’s disappearance/abduction, Rama collapses into grief and confusion; Lakshmana approaches, consoles him, and begins to speak to restore Rama’s resolve.

Lakshmana’s sevā (devoted service) and fortitude—he remains composed, physically attends to Rama, and takes responsibility to steady his elder brother.