Shloka 2.21.16

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

Devanagari script

अनुरक्तोऽस्मि भावेन भ्रातरं देवि तत्त्वतः। सत्येन धनुषा चैव दत्तेनेष्टेन ते शपे।।2.21.16।।

Transliteration

tvayā caiva mayā caiva kṛtvā vairam anuttamam |

kā 'sya śaktiḥ śriyaṃ dātuṃ bharatāyāriśāsana ||2.21.15||

Translation

O chastiser of foes, what power does he have to bestow royal fortune upon Bharata, after provoking the gravest hostility from you—and from me as well?

Context

O mother!, (Lakshmana now tells Kausalya) I am truly loyal to my brother from the bottom of my heart. I swear this by my bow, on my merits earned through charity, by my truthfulness and by the good deeds I have done.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• Daśaratha (implied by 'he')

FAQs

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

It foregrounds the ethics of legitimacy and consent in rulership, but also warns implicitly that anger and threats of violence can themselves become adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa asserts that the king’s decision will create enmity and conflict, questioning the feasibility and righteousness of giving the kingdom to Bharata.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearless devotion and readiness to defend Rāma—though expressed through confrontational, warlike resolve.