Shloka 2.21.14

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā

Devanagari script

बलमेष किमाश्रित्य हेतुं वापुरुषर्षभ।दातुमिच्छति कैकेय्यै राज्यं स्थितमिदं तव।।2.21.14।।

Transliteration

guror apy avaliptasya kāryākāryam ajānataḥ |

utpathaṃ pratipannasya kāryaṃ bhavati śāsanam ||2.21.13||

Translation

Even a teacher—if swollen with pride, unable to discern what should and should not be done, and having taken to a wrongful path—must be corrected; in such a case, discipline becomes one’s duty.

Context

O best of men!, under what authority or reason this king wants to confer on Kaikeyi the kingdom that rightfully belongs to you?

Characters & Entities

• guru (preceptor/elder authority figure)

FAQs

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

Authority is not absolute: when an elder/teacher deviates from righteousness and discernment, correction is justified as a dharmic duty—though it must be done without adharma (excess, cruelty).

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa argues that even revered authority figures can be subject to restraint if they act unrighteously, supporting his protest against the exile decision.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to moral discernment (viveka) and justice over blind obedience—expressed through Lakṣmaṇa’s intense, confrontational stance.