Shloka 2.22.2

अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः (Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana)

Devanagari script

अथ तं व्यथया दीनं सविशेषममर्षितम्। श्वसन्तमिव नागेन्द्रं रोषविस्फारितेक्षणम्।।2.22.1।।आसाद्य रामस्सौमित्रिं सुहृदं भ्रातरं प्रियम्।उवाचेदं स धैर्येण धारयन्सत्त्वमात्मवान्।।2.22.2।।

Transliteration

atha taṁ vyathayā dīnaṁ saviśeṣam amarṣitam |

śvasantam iva nāgendraṁ roṣavisphāritekṣaṇam || 2.22.1 ||

āsādya rāmaḥ saumitriṁ suhṛdaṁ bhrātaraṁ priyam |

uvāca idaṁ sa dhairyeṇa dhārayan sattvam ātmavān || 2.22.2 ||

Translation

Then Rāma, self-possessed and steadfast, approached Saumitri—his dear brother and trusted friend—who, crushed by anguish and inflamed with indignation, seemed like a great serpent hissing, his eyes widened in wrath; and Rāma, holding firmly to inner composure, spoke to him with fortitude.

Context

The selfpossessed Rama held his composure and approached his beloved, intimate brother Lakshmana who was (looking) miserable with his mental agony. To him, who was hissing like a king cobra, he said:

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana (Saumitri)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is emotional discipline in crisis: Rama models steadiness (dhairya, sattva) even when injustice provokes anger in others.

What is the narrative situation?

Immediately after the coronation plan is overturned, Lakshmana is enraged; Rama approaches him to calm and guide him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s self-possession and leadership through calm counsel, contrasted with Lakshmana’s fierce protective anger.