Shloka 2.23.30

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

Devanagari script

न शोभार्थाविमौ बाहू न धनुर्भूषणाय मे।नाऽसिराबन्धनार्थाय न शरास्तम्भहेतवः।।।।अमित्रदमनार्थं मे सर्वमेतच्चतुष्टयम्।

Transliteration

na śobhārthāv imau bāhū na dhanur bhūṣaṇāya me | nāsir ābandhanārthāya na śarā stambhahetavaḥ || amitradamanārthaṃ me sarvam etac catuṣṭayam || 2.23.30 ||

Translation

These arms of mine are not for ornament; this bow is not for adornment; this sword is not merely to be strapped on; and these arrows are not meant to lie idle. This set of four is for the subduing of enemies.

Context

These my arms are not intended to enhance the beauty (of my body). This bow is not for decoration. The sword is not for the sake of strapping my waist. The arrows are not meant to be fixed to my quiver. All these four are meant for taming my enemies.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• dhanuḥ (bow)
• asi (sword)
• śara (arrows)
• amitra (enemy)

FAQs

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

Kṣatriya-dharma: weapons and strength are justified not as vanity but as instruments for restraining injustice and protecting legitimate order.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa, agitated by the threat to Rāma’s rightful position, declares that his martial equipment exists for real action—defense and suppression of hostile forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Purpose-driven valor: courage disciplined toward duty rather than display.