Shloka 2.23.31

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

Devanagari script

न चाहं कामयेऽत्यर्थं यस्स्याच्छत्रुर्मतो मम।।।।असिना तीक्ष्णधारेण विद्युच्चलितवर्चसा।प्रगृहीतेन वै शत्रुं वज्रिणं वा न कल्पये।।।।

Transliteration

na cāhaṃ kāmaye ’tyarthaṃ yas syāc chatrur mato mama | asinā tīkṣṇadhāreṇa vidyuccalitavarcasā | pragṛhītena vai śatruṃ vajriṇaṃ vā na kalpaye || 2.23.31 ||

Translation

I do not at all wish that anyone be deemed my enemy; yet once I grasp my keen-edged sword, blazing like a flash of lightning, I will not spare that enemy—even if it were Vajrin, Indra himself.

Context

Any one who turns my enemy will not be allowed to remain alive. Holding my sharp-edged sword, lustrous as a flash of lightning, I shall exterminate my enemy even if it were Indra, the bearer of thunder.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• asi (sword)
• Vajrin (Indra)
• vidyut (lightning)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as deterrent protection: one should not seek enmity, yet must act decisively when righteousness and rightful authority are threatened.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa, in a surge of protective resolve, proclaims uncompromising readiness to punish any aggressor opposing Rāma’s rightful cause.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unflinching courage coupled with a declared unwillingness to initiate conflict—strength in service of duty.