Shloka 2.23.34

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

Devanagari script

खड्गधाराहता मेऽद्य दीप्यमाना इवाद्रयः।पतिष्यन्ति द्विपा भूमौ मेघा इव सविद्युतः।।।।

Transliteration

khaḍgadhārāhatā me ’dya dīpyamānā ivādrayaḥ | patiṣyanti dvipā bhūmau meghā iva savidyutaḥ || 2.23.34 ||

Translation

Struck today by the edge of my sword, elephants will fall upon the ground like blazing mountains, like clouds lit with lightning crashing down.

Context

The elephants, struck by the blows of my sword, will fall on earth like mountains engulfed in flames and like clouds with lightning.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• khaḍga (sword)
• dvipāḥ (elephants)
• meghāḥ (clouds)
• vidyut (lightning)
• adrayaḥ (mountains)

FAQs

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

The verse underscores protective duty: force is invoked as a deterrent so that righteous order and legitimate succession are not overturned by intimidation.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa continues his martial assurances, using vivid similes to convey the certainty of defeat for any opposing forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Confidence in righteous strength—fearlessness grounded in commitment to defend Rāma.