Shloka 2.21.47

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

Devanagari script

शोकस्सन्धार्यतां मात र्हृदये साधु मा शुचः।वनवासादिहैष्यामि पुनः कृत्वा पितुर्वचः।।2.21.47।।

Transliteration

śokaḥ sandhāryatāṃ mātar hṛdaye sādhu mā śucaḥ |

vanavāsād ihaiṣyāmi punaḥ kṛtvā pitur vacaḥ ||2.21.47||

Translation

Hold your sorrow wisely within your heart, Mother; do not grieve. After fulfilling my father’s word and completing my forest-dwelling, I shall return here again.

Context

Do not grieve, O mother! Be prudent enough to subdue your sorrow in your heart. Having fulfilled father's words, I shall come back from my sojourn in the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kausalyā
• pituḥ vacaḥ (Daśaratha’s command, implied)
• vanavāsa

FAQs

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

Dharma involves inner steadiness: sorrow must be governed, not allowed to derail righteous action. Fulfilling the father’s command is presented as the dharmic endpoint of the ordeal.

What is the narrative situation?

Kausalyā is overwhelmed; Rāma urges composure and reiterates that he will return after honoring Daśaratha’s command.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate firmness: Rāma acknowledges grief but teaches emotional restraint aligned with duty.