Shloka 2.23.23

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

Devanagari script

अहं तदाशां छेत्स्यामि पितुस्तस्याश्च या तव।अभिषेकविघातेन पुत्रराज्याय वर्तते।।।।

Transliteration

ahaṃ tad-āśāṃ chetsyāmi pituḥ tasyāś ca yā tava |

abhiṣeka-vighātena putra-rājyāya vartate ||

Translation

Therefore I will cut down that desire—of our father and of her—by which, through obstructing your consecration, she aims to secure the kingdom for her son.

Context

Therefore, I shall frustrate the desire of father and of Kaikeyi who plans the kingdom for her son by obstructing your consecration.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (father, implied)
• Kaikeyī (her, implied)
• Bharata (her son, implied)
• abhiṣeka (consecration)

FAQs

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

It confronts competing claims—parental command, queenly ambition, and rightful succession—showing how dharma can be invoked both to justify and to resist political maneuvering.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa identifies the obstruction of Rāma’s consecration as a calculated move to place Kaikeyī’s son on the throne and vows to stop it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Zeal for justice and loyalty to Rāma, though expressed through a readiness to break others’ plans by force.