Shloka 2.21.17

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

Devanagari script

दीप्तमग्निमरण्यं वा यदि रामः प्रवेक्ष्यति।प्रविष्टं तत्र मां देवि त्वं पूर्वमवधारय।।2.21.17।।

Transliteration

anurakto 'smi bhāvena bhrātaraṃ devi tattvataḥ |

satyena dhanuṣā caiva datteneiṣṭena te śape ||2.21.16||

Translation

O mother, in truth I am devoted to my brother with all my heart. I swear to you by my truth, by my bow, and by the merit of my gifts and sacrifices.

Context

O mother! rest assured should Rama enter a blazing fire or a forest I must have already entered it.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā
• Rāma
• dhanuṣ (bow)

FAQs

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

Satya (truthfulness) and steadfast loyalty are treated as sacred commitments; vows grounded in truth and earned merit are presented as morally binding.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa reassures Kauśalyā of his unwavering allegiance to Rāma during the crisis of exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unshakable devotion to one’s elder brother and integrity expressed through solemn oath-taking.