Shloka 2.21.35

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

Devanagari script

नाहं धर्ममपूर्वं ते प्रतिकूलं प्रवर्तये।पूर्वैरयमभिप्रेतो गतो मार्गोऽनुगम्यते।।2.21.35।।

Transliteration

nāhaṃ dharmam apūrvaṃ te pratikūlaṃ pravartaye |

pūrvair ayam abhipreto gato mārgo ’nugamyate || 2.21.35 ||

Translation

I am not proposing to you some new ‘dharma’ that goes against established practice; I am following the very path approved and walked by our forebears.

Context

I am not advancing anything new, contrary to the existing practice. I am only following the trodden path of our ancestors.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kausalya
• ancestors/forebears (pūrvāḥ)
• path (mārga)

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as a tested, inherited path (mārga) validated by the conduct of the righteous ancestors, rather than a novelty driven by emotion.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama argues that his decision is aligned with established royal-ethical norms, countering his mother’s grief-driven resistance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for maryādā (normative righteousness) and steadiness in principled conduct.