Shloka 2.22.28

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

Devanagari script

अथवा किं ममैतेन राजद्रव्यमयेन तु।उद्धृतं मे स्वयं तोयं व्रतादेशं करिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

nigṛhya roṣaṃ śokaṃ ca dhairyam āśritya kevalam | avamānaṃ nirasyemaṃ gṛhītvā harṣam uttamam ||

Translation

Restrain both anger and grief; take refuge only in steadfastness. Casting aside this sense of humiliation, hold fast to a higher joy.

Context

Or else, for me what is the use of these pots of holy water which are the king's property? The water drawn with my own hands will be made use of for my religious bath.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma here is self-mastery: anger and grief must be governed by fortitude, so one acts rightly rather than reactively.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, facing the sudden reversal of his consecration plans, instructs Lakṣmaṇa to remain composed and not to be consumed by humiliation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dhairya (steadfast courage) and inner restraint—Rāma models calm adherence to duty amid injustice.