Shloka 2.21.5

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

Devanagari script

न तं पश्याम्यहं लोके परोक्षमपि यो नरः।स्वमित्रोऽपि निरस्तोऽपि योऽस्य दोषमुदाहरेत्।।2.21.5।।

Transliteration

amba saṃhṛtya sambhārān duḥkhaṃ hṛdi nigṛhya ca |

vanavāsa-kṛtā buddhir mama dharmyā 'nuvartyatām || 2.21.49 ||

Translation

Mother, withdraw the preparations and restrain the sorrow within your heart; let my resolve—rightly set on dwelling in the forest—be accepted and followed as the path of dharma.

Context

I do not find anybody in this world, even an adversary or one defeated, who finds fault with him even in his absence.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kausalya
• sambhāra (consecration articles)

FAQs

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

Dharma as steadfast adherence to a rightful decision, even when it causes personal sorrow—Rama asks that emotion be governed by duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama addresses Kausalya, asking her to stop coronation arrangements and to accept his decision to go to the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (dama) and resolve (dhṛti) in service of dharma.