Shloka 2.21.45

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

Devanagari script

अनुमन्यस्व मां देवि गमिष्यन्तमितो वनम्।शापिताऽसि मम प्राणैः कुरु स्वस्त्ययनानि मे।।2.21.45।।

Transliteration

anumanyasva māṃ devi gamiṣyantam ito vanam |

śāpitā ’si mama prāṇaiḥ kuru svastyayanāni me ||2.21.45||

Translation

Grant me leave, O Goddess, O Mother, as I depart from here to the forest. By my very life I bind and beseech you—perform for me the rites and blessings that secure well-being.

Context

I have decided, O mother! to go to the forest from here. Grant me the permission to do so. I swear on my life. Perform all the ceremonies for securing prosperity for me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kausalyā
• vana (forest)
• svastyayana (auspicious rites)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes honoring one’s mother and seeking her consent and blessings before undertaking a difficult duty. Rāma integrates personal sacrifice with ritual and familial propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, about to depart for exile, asks Kausalyā to give permission and perform auspicious protective rites for his journey.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and responsibility: Rāma does not proceed harshly or independently, but seeks maternal sanction and blessings.