Shloka 2.22.8

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

Devanagari script

न बुद्धिपूर्वं नाबुद्धं स्मरामीह कदाचन।मातृ़णां वा पितुर्वाऽहं कृतमल्पं च विप्रियम्।।।।

Transliteration

mā ca lakṣmaṇa santāpaṃ kārṣīr lakṣmyā viparyaye | rājyaṃ vā vanavāso vā vanavāso mahodayaḥ ||

Translation

Do not grieve, O Lakṣmaṇa, at this reversal of fortune. Whether it is kingship or forest-dwelling—forest-dwelling is the greater glory.

Context

I do not remember to have done anything any time with a motive or without understanding which might have caused even a little displeasure to father or mothers.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rājya (kingdom)
• vanavāsa (forest exile)

FAQs

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

Dharma is valuing righteousness over status: exile embraced for duty can be more glorious than power gained without moral clarity.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma consoles Lakṣmaṇa after the kingdom is lost, reframing forest exile as an honorable path.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vairāgya (detachment) and moral courage—Rāma treats loss as an opportunity for higher discipline.