Shloka 2.21.60

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

Devanagari script

तस्मिन्पुनर्जीवति धर्मराजे विशेषतस्स्वे पथि वर्तमाने।देवी मया सार्धमितोऽपगच्छेत्कथं स्विदन्या विधवेव नारी।।2.21.60।।

Transliteration

mayā pārśve sadhanuṣā tava guptasya rāghava | kaḥ samartho 'dhikaṁ kartuṁ kṛtāntasyeva tiṣṭhataḥ || 2.21.9 ||

Translation

O Rāghava, with me at your side, bow in hand, guarding you—who could dare commit any excess against you as you stand like Kṛtānta (Death) himself?

Context

While the righteous king is living, more importantly treading the righteous path, howcan mother Kausalya, like an ordinary widow, accompany me leaving this city?

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Kṛtānta (Yama)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes defending the righteous against wrongdoing; Lakṣmaṇa frames protection of Rāma as a just, force-backed deterrence.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa reassures Rāma of his armed support and implies that no one can oppress Rāma if they stand together.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering devotion and martial readiness (kṣātra-tejas) in service of what he perceives as justice.