Shloka 2.23.5
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः (Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort)
अस्थाने सम्भ्रमो यस्य जातो वै सुमहानयम्।।।।धर्मदोष प्रसङ्गेन लोकस्यानतिशङ्कया।कथंह्येतदसम्भ्रान्तस्त्वद्विधो वक्तुमर्हति।।।।यथा दैवमशौडीरं शौण्डीर क्षत्रियर्षभ।
adya candanasārasya keyūrāmokṣaṇasya ca |
vasūnāṃ ca vimokṣasya suhṛdāṃ pālanasya ca ||
anurūpāv imau bāhū rāma karma kariṣyataḥ |
abhiṣecanavighnasya kartṝṇāṃ te nivāraṇe ||
Today these arms—fit for sandal paste, for armlets, for the giving of wealth, and for the protection of friends—will do their rightful work, O Rama: they will restrain those who obstruct your consecration.
O Rama, the greatest among the brave kshatriyas! you say this because of your fear that (by disobeying father's command) harm will be done to righteousness. This great haste is unwarranted for there is the least apprehension about people's verdict (in favour of exile). How do you, of all persons, speak about destiny as all-powerful in these circumstances when it is powerless?
Lakshmana frames strength as meant for dharmic purposes—generosity, protection, and upholding rightful order—yet channels it toward confronting those blocking Rama’s coronation.
Lakshmana vows to act against the agents causing the interruption of Rama’s abhiṣeka.
Sevā (devoted service) expressed through valor—Lakshmana’s readiness to protect Rama’s honor and kingship.