Shloka 2.21.58

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

Devanagari script

गुरुश्च राजा च पिता च वृद्धःक्रोधात्प्रहर्षाद्यदि वाऽपि कामात्।यद्व्यादिशेत्कार्यमवेक्ष्य धर्मंकस्तन्न कुर्यादनृशंसवृत्तिः।2.21.58।।

Transliteration

devakalpam ṛjuṁ dāntaṁ ripūṇām api vatsalam | avekṣamāṇaḥ ko dharmaṁ tyajet putram akāraṇāt || 2.21.6 ||

Translation

Who, disregarding dharma, would abandon without cause a son who is godlike, upright, self-controlled, and dear even to his enemies?

Context

Whatever a preceptor, an old man, a king and a father commands whether it is out of anger or pleasure or passion must be carried out as dharma. Who will not do it unless he is heartless?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• son (putra)
• enemies (ripu)

FAQs

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

Dharma forbids abandoning the innocent without just cause; moral governance and family duty require fairness, restraint, and reasoned judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

In Ayodhyā, amid the turmoil around Daśaratha’s decision and the impending exile, Rāma argues that abandoning a virtuous son without cause would violate dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s portrayal emphasizes self-control, uprightness, and universal goodwill—so exemplary that even enemies feel affection.