Shloka 2.23.20

लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः (Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort)

Devanagari script

अत्यङ्कुशमिवोद्दामं गजं मदबलोद्धतम्।प्रधावितमहं दैवं पौरुषेण निवर्तये।।।।

Transliteration

atyaṅkuśam ivoddāmaṃ gajaṃ mad-baloddhatam |

pradhāvitaṃ ahaṃ daivaṃ pauruṣeṇa nivartaye ||

Translation

I will turn back destiny by my valor—like restraining a wild elephant, unmanageable even to the goad, charging ahead intoxicated with its own strength.

Context

I will make destiny, the elephant, running wild on the strength of the rut, unmanageable (even) by the goad, turn back with my valour.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• daiva (destiny)
• pauruṣa (human effort)

FAQs

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

The verse explores agency: dharma encourages courageous effort, yet in the epic’s moral universe such effort must remain governed by righteousness and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa, outraged by the reversal of Rāma’s coronation, speaks of overpowering the adverse turn of fate.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearlessness and resolve—paired with the risk of overconfidence if not tempered by dharma.