Shloka 2.31.16

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

Devanagari script

एवं मम च ते भक्तिर्भविष्यति सुदर्शिता।धर्मज्ञ गुरुपूजायां धर्मश्चाप्यतुलो महान्।।।।

Transliteration

evaṃ mama ca te bhaktir bhaviṣyati sudarśitā |

dharmajña gurupūjāyāṃ dharmaś cāpy atulo mahān || 2.31.16 ||

Translation

By acting thus, your devotion to me will be plainly shown; and you who know dharma, reverence to elders is itself a great virtue—unequalled.

Context

If you do this, your devotion to me will be amply demonstrated. Service to the elders, O dutiful one, is a virtue, great and unequalled.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Elders/teachers (guru—concept)

FAQs

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

Dharma is defined as guru-sevā—honoring and serving elders as an incomparable virtue; devotion is validated through ethical action, especially care for those deserving reverence.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reinforces his instruction to Lakṣmaṇa, explaining that staying behind to serve Kausalyā is both devotion to Rāma and a high dharmic act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s potential virtue of disciplined service—devotion expressed through responsibility and reverence.