Shloka 2.23.38

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

Devanagari script

अद्य चन्दनसारस्य केयूरामोक्षणस्य च।वसूनां च विमोक्षस्य सुहृदां पालनस्य च।।।।अनुरूपाविमौ बाहू राम कर्म करिष्यतः।अभिषेचनविघ्नस्य कर्तृ़णां ते निवारणे।।।।

Transliteration

asthāne sambhramo yasya jāto vai sumahān ayam |

dharmadoṣa-prasaṅgena lokasyānatiśaṅkayā |

kathaṃ hy etad asambhrāntas tvad-vidho vaktum arhati |

yathā daivam aśauḍīraṃ śauṇḍīra kṣatriyarṣabha |

Translation

At an unfit moment this great haste has arisen in you—out of fear that dharma may be harmed and anxiety over the world’s judgment. How can one like you, unshaken in courage, speak as though destiny were mighty, when in truth it is powerless, O bull among kshatriyas?

Context

These arms, O Rama! which are fit for sandalwood cream, for wearing armlets, for distributing wealth and for protecting friends, will perform the worthy act of subduing those who are creating obstruction to your consecration.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• Rama
• daiva (destiny)

FAQs

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

Lakshmana argues that dharma should not be reduced to passive fatalism; one must act with courage and discernment instead of surrendering to “destiny” when injustice is perceived.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmana challenges Rama’s calm acceptance of exile, criticizing the appeal to fate and public opinion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakshmana’s valor and insistence on moral agency—his belief that righteous action can and should alter outcomes.