Valmiki Ramayana 2.23.34 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 34
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः
Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort
खड्गधाराहता मेऽद्य दीप्यमाना इवाद्रयः।पतिष्यन्ति द्विपा भूमौ मेघा इव सविद्युतः।।।।
khaḍgadhārāhatā me ’dya dīpyamānā ivādrayaḥ | patiṣyanti dvipā bhūmau meghā iva savidyutaḥ || 2.23.34 ||
Struck today by the edge of my sword, elephants will fall upon the ground like blazing mountains, like clouds lit with lightning crashing down.
The elephants, struck by the blows of my sword, will fall on earth like mountains engulfed in flames and like clouds with lightning.
FAQs
The verse underscores protective duty: force is invoked as a deterrent so that righteous order and legitimate succession are not overturned by intimidation.
Lakṣmaṇa continues his martial assurances, using vivid similes to convey the certainty of defeat for any opposing forces.
Confidence in righteous strength—fearlessness grounded in commitment to defend Rāma.
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