Shloka 2.21.4

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

Devanagari script

नास्यापराधं पश्यामि नापि दोषं तथाविधम्।येन निर्वास्यते राष्ट्राद्वनवासाय राघवः।।2.21.4।।

Transliteration

nāsyāparādhaṃ paśyāmi nāpi doṣaṃ tathāvidham |

yena nirvāsyate rāṣṭrād vanavāsāya rāghavaḥ ||2.21.4||

Translation

I see in Rāghava no offence at all, nor any fault of such a kind as could justify his banishment from the kingdom to dwell in the forest.

Context

I do not see any fault in Rama nor any offence committed by him for which he is exiled from the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• rāṣṭra (kingdom of Ayodhyā, implied)
• vanavāsa (forest exile)

FAQs

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

The verse appeals to justice as part of dharma: punishment (exile) should correspond to a real offence or fault. It asserts that Rāma’s banishment lacks moral grounds.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is being sent to the forest instead of being installed as heir. Lakṣmaṇa reacts by insisting that Rāma has committed no wrongdoing deserving exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s fierce loyalty and moral clarity—his refusal to accept unjust suffering inflicted upon the righteous.