Shloka 2.23.32

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

Devanagari script

न चाहं कामयेऽत्यर्थं यस्स्याच्छत्रुर्मतो मम।।2.23.31।।असिना तीक्ष्णधारेण विद्युच्चलितवर्चसा।प्रगृहीतेन वै शत्रुं वज्रिणं वा न कल्पये।।2.23.32।।

Transliteration

na cāhaṃ kāmaye ’tyarthaṃ yas syāc chatrur mato mama || 2.23.31 ||

asinā tīkṣṇadhāreṇa vidyuccalitavarcasā |

pragṛhītena vai śatruṃ vajriṇaṃ vā na kalpaye || 2.23.32 ||

Translation

I do not desire enmity with anyone; yet, once I seize my keen-edged sword, radiant like lightning, I will not spare an enemy—even if it were Indra, the thunderbolt-bearer.

Context

Any one who turns my enemy will not be allowed to remain alive. Holding my sharpedged 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
• Vajrin (Indra)

FAQs

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

The same dharmic stance is reiterated: do not cultivate hostility, but uphold justice with decisive strength when duty demands.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse repeats the preceding declaration (a feature sometimes seen in recensional transmission), reinforcing Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering pledge to neutralize threats.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness (dṛḍha-niścaya): the repetition functions as emphasis on firmness of will.