Valmiki Ramayana 2.23.35 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 35

लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः

Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort

Devanagari script

बद्धगोधाङ्गुलित्राणे प्रगृहीतशरासने।कथं पुरुषमानी स्यात्पुरुषाणां मयि स्थिते।।।।

Transliteration

baddhagodhāṅgulitrāṇe pragṛhītaśarāsane | kathaṃ puruṣamānī syāt puruṣāṇāṃ mayi sthite || 2.23.35 ||

Translation

When I stand among men with my arm-guard and finger-protector fastened, bow in hand and ready, how could any man among men still boast of his manliness?

Word by Word

• baddha-godhā-aṅgulitrāṇe: when (I am) with the godhā-guard and finger-protector fastened
• baddha-godhā-aṅgulitrāṇe: Adhikarana (अधिकरणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: baddha (कृदन्त) + godhā (प्रातिपदिक) + aṅgulitrāṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास; सप्तमी (Locative), एकवचन; विशेषणम् (mayi sthite इत्यस्य)

• pragṛhīta-śarāsane: when (I am) holding the bow
• pragṛhīta-śarāsane: Adhikarana (अधिकरणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: pragṛhīta (कृदन्त) + śarāsana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास; सप्तमी, एकवचन; विशेषणम् (mayi sthite)

• katham: how
• katham: Sambandha (सम्बन्धः)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: katham (अव्यय)
• Form: प्रश्नार्थक-अव्यय (interrogative adverb)

• puruṣa-mānī: a man-proud (one who deems himself manly)
• puruṣa-mānī: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: puruṣa (प्रातिपदिक) + mānin (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास; पुल्लिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; कर्तृपद (subject)

• syāt: could be
• syāt: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: as (धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (Optative), परस्मैपद; प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन

• puruṣāṇām: among men / of men
• puruṣāṇām: Shashthi-sambandha (षष्ठी-सम्बन्धः)
• Type: Noun
• Root: puruṣa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग, षष्ठी, बहुवचन

• mayi: when I
• mayi: Adhikarana (अधिकरणम्)
• Type: Noun
• Root: asmad (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: सर्वनाम; सप्तमी, एकवचन

• sthite: standing / being present
• sthite: Adhikarana (अधिकरणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sthā (धातु)
• Form: क्त-प्रत्ययान्त कृदन्त; सप्तमी, एकवचन; सति-सप्तमी (locative absolute) with mayi

Context

When I stand before men (enemies) wearing godha and finger-protector, holding the bow ready, who amongst men will boast of his manliness?

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as preparedness to defend the righteous: disciplined readiness prevents chaos and protects the innocent and the rightful sovereign.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa describes himself fully equipped as an archer, asserting that no opponent would dare challenge when he is present.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial discipline and intimidating resolve in service of loyalty.