Shloka 2.21.24

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

Devanagari script

यथैव राजा पूज्यस्ते गौरवेण तथाऽस्म्यहम्।त्वां नाहमनुजानामि न गन्तव्यमितो वनम्।।2.21.24।।

Transliteration

yathaiva rājā pūjyas te gauraveṇa tathā 'smy aham | tvāṃ nāham anujānāmi na gantavyam ito vanam || 2.21.24 ||

Translation

Just as the king is worthy of your reverent honor, so too am I. I do not grant you permission—you must not go from here to the forest.

Context

Just as the king is worthy of your respectful homage, so am I. I will not permit you to go from here to the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (implied as rājā)
• Vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is argued through legitimate authority within the family: the mother claims a moral standing comparable to the father-king in receiving honor and obedience.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā attempts to forbid Rāma’s departure by asserting her right to be obeyed and by withholding consent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence (gaurava) toward parents and adherence to household hierarchy (maryādā).