Shloka 3.69.15

अयोमुखी-दर्शनम् तथा कबन्ध-प्रवेशः (Ayomukhi Encounter and the ظهور of Kabandha)

Devanagari script

उवाच चैनं वचनं सौमित्रिमुपगूह्य सा।अहं त्वयोमुखी नाम लब्धा ते त्वमसि प्रियः।।।।नाथ पर्वतकूटेषु नदीनां पुलिनेषु च।आयुश्शेषमिमं वीर त्वं मया सह रंस्यसे।।।।

Transliteration

uvāca cainaṃ vacanaṃ saumitrim upagūhya sā |

ahaṃ tv ayomukhī nāma labdhā te tvam asi priyaḥ ||

nātha parvatakūṭeṣu nadīnāṃ pulineṣu ca |

āyuḥśeṣam imaṃ vīra tvaṃ mayā saha raṃsyase ||

Translation

Clasping Saumitri, she spoke to him: “I am named Ayomukhī; I have been won by you, and you are dear to me. O lord, O hero—on mountain peaks and on riverbanks, for the remainder of your life you will sport together with me.”

Context

Taking hold of Saumitri the demoness said 'I am Ayomukhi and I have been obtained by you. You got me, O hero, O lord ! For the rest of your life you will sport with me on the lofty hills and river banks.'

Characters & Entities

• Ayomukhī
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri)
• mountain peaks (parvata-kūṭa)
• riverbanks (nadī-pulina)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is restraint and right relationship: Ayomukhī’s possessive claim (“obtained by you”) and coercive embrace represent adharma—desire detached from consent, truthfulness, and social-moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

Ayomukhī introduces herself by name and attempts to compel Lakṣmaṇa into lifelong sexual companionship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s fidelity to dharma and to his protective role is underscored by contrast—he does not accept an unrighteous demand despite provocation.