Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 37
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
तामेवमुक्त्वा जननीं लक्ष्मणं पुनरब्रवीत्।वाक्यं वाक्यविदां श्रेष्ठश्श्रेष्ठस्सर्वधनुष्मताम्।।2.21.37।।
tām evam uktvā jananīṃ lakṣmaṇaṃ punar abravīt |
vākyaṃ vākyavidāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ śreṣṭhaḥ sarva-dhanuṣmatām || 2.21.37 ||
Having spoken thus to his mother, Rāma—foremost among masters of speech and the best of all archers—again addressed Lakṣmaṇa.
One who is the best among the knowers of speech and best of all archers, Rama spoke to his mother in this manner and then said to Lakshmana:
FAQs
The verse frames dharmic leadership as inseparable from disciplined speech and capability: Rama’s moral stance is paired with eloquence and martial excellence.
A narrative pivot: after addressing Kausalya, the focus shifts to Rama’s next instruction/conversation with Lakshmana.
Excellence in speech (vāg-vaibhava) and mastery in arms—competence supporting righteousness.