Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 8
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
यावदेव न जानाति कश्चिदर्थमिमं नरः।तावदेव मया सार्धमात्मस्थं कुरु शासनम्।।2.21.8।।
yāvad eva na jānāti kaścid artham imaṁ naraḥ | tāvad eva mayā sārdham ātmasthaṁ kuru śāsanam || 2.21.8 ||
Before anyone comes to know of this matter, assume authority under your own control—with my support.
With no cause nor concern for righteousness, will any one abandon his son who is nearly equal to god, upright, self-restrained and loved even by his enemies ?
FAQs
It raises a dharmic tension: emergency political action to prevent injustice versus obedience to established authority; Lakṣmaṇa urges decisive control to avert harm.
Lakṣmaṇa proposes immediate action—taking control before public knowledge spreads—so that Rāma is not wronged by the unfolding palace decision.
Lakṣmaṇa’s readiness to act and his protective solidarity with Rāma, even in politically risky circumstances.