Shloka 2.21.56

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

Devanagari script

धर्मार्थकामाः खलु तात लोके समीक्षिता धर्मफलोदयेषु।ते तत्र सर्वे स्युरसंशयं मे भार्येव वश्याऽभिमता सुपुत्रा।।2.21.56।।

Transliteration

dharmārthakāmāḥ khalu tāta loke

samīkṣitā dharmaphalodayeṣu |

te tatra sarve syur asaṃśayaṃ me

bhāryeva vaśyā 'bhimatā suputrā || 2.21.56 ||

Translation

Dear brother, in this world dharma, artha, and kāma are assessed by the fruits that arise from dharma. In my chosen course, all three are present without doubt—like a wife’s faithful compliance and the cherished affection found in a mother blessed with good sons.

Context

Dharma,artha and kama, O my dear! are adjudged in this world according to the fruits of righteous action. All these three are doubtless there (in my decision to go to the forest), like obedience in a wife and love for the mother in good sons.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Dharma is the regulating foundation of human aims: artha and kāma gain legitimacy and harmony when they arise in alignment with dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama reasons with Lakshmana, explaining that his decision is not a loss of life’s aims but a dharmic integration of them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Philosophical clarity and balance—Rama articulates a dharma-centered view of the puruṣārthas.