Shloka 2.21.8

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

Devanagari script

यावदेव न जानाति कश्चिदर्थमिमं नरः।तावदेव मया सार्धमात्मस्थं कुरु शासनम्।।2.21.8।।

Transliteration

yaśo hy ahaṁ kevalarājyakāraṇān na pṛṣṭhataḥ kartum alaṁ mahodayam | adīrghakāle na tu devi jīvite vṛṇe 'varām adya mahīm adharmataḥ || 2.21.62 ||

Translation

I will not cast behind me this great glory merely for the sake of a kingdom. In this life, which is but short, O Mother, I do not choose to gain this petty earth today through adharma.

Context

Before this news is known to any one bring the kingdom under your control with my assistance.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kauśalyā (devī)
• kingdom/earth (mahī)
• yaśas (glory)

FAQs

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

Political power is not worth unrighteous acquisition; dharma and truthful honor outweigh temporary sovereignty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reassures his mother that he will not pursue the throne through questionable means; he prefers exile with honor to rule with adharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s integrity and non-attachment to power—choosing moral glory over material rule.