Shloka 2.21.25

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

Devanagari script

त्वद्वियोगान्न मे कार्यं जीवितेन सुखेन वा।त्वया सह मम श्रेयस्तृणानामपि भक्षणम्।।2.21.25।।

Transliteration

tvad-viyogān na me kāryaṃ jīvitena sukhena vā | tvayā saha mama śreyas tṛṇānām api bhakṣaṇam || 2.21.25 ||

Translation

Separated from you, life itself—or happiness—has no purpose for me. For me, it is better to be with you even if it means eating mere grass.

Context

Separated from you, I have no use of this life or happiness. I prefer to live with you even if it means eating grass.

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Rāma
• Vana (implied by hardship/grass-eating)

FAQs

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

The verse stresses relational dharma: the mother-son bond is portrayed as so essential that hardship with the righteous is preferable to comfort without them.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā expresses that Rāma’s exile would make her life meaningless, and she would rather share his austerities than remain behind.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unconditional attachment grounded in care (vātsalya) and willingness to endure austerity for loved ones.