Shloka 2.31.15

लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः (Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons)

Devanagari script

तामार्यां स्वयमेवेह राजानुग्रहणेन वा।सौमित्रे भर कौशल्यामुक्तमर्थमिमं चर।।।।

Transliteration

tām āryāṃ svayam eveha rājānugrahaṇena vā |

saumitre bhara kauśalyām uktam artham imaṃ cara || 2.31.15 ||

Translation

Therefore, O Saumitra, remain here and uphold that venerable Kausalyā—either by your own endeavor or by securing the king’s favor; carry out this purpose I have spoken.

Context

Either by yourself or by seeking the favour of the king, O son of Sumitra, lend support to venerable Kausalya. This is the objective you must accomplish.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitra)
• Kausalyā
• King (Daśaratha—implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is active caregiving: righteousness is fulfilled by ensuring elders are protected and sustained, even when one’s own life is disrupted by exile and political upheaval.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma assigns Lakṣmaṇa a counter-duty: instead of accompanying him, Lakṣmaṇa should remain to protect and support Kausalyā in the palace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s leadership through dharmic delegation—he defines duty as concrete service, not mere sentiment.