Shloka 2.23.24

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

Devanagari script

मद्बलेन विरुद्धाय न स्याद्दैवबलं तथा।प्रभविष्यति दुःखाय यथोग्रं पौरुषं मम।।।।

Transliteration

mad-balena viruddhāya na syād daiva-balaṃ tathā |

prabhaviṣyati duḥkhāya yathograṃ pauruṣaṃ mama ||

Translation

Against anyone who stands opposed to my strength, even the power of fate would not bring such suffering as my fierce valor will bring.

Context

Any one who opposes my terrible valour will come to grief. The power of destiny will not cause that much sorrow as my valour will.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• daiva (fate)

FAQs

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

The verse warns by example: power and anger can eclipse dharma when one threatens disproportionate harm; righteous strength must be restrained by ethical purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa escalates his vow, claiming his own force can cause more suffering than destiny itself to any opponent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial intensity and steadfastness—alongside the need for self-mastery.