Shloka 2.31.17

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

Devanagari script

एवं कुरुष्व सौमित्रे मत्कृते रघुनन्दन।अस्माभिर्विप्रहीणाया मातुर्नो न भवेत्सुखम्।।।।

Transliteration

evaṃ kuruṣva saumitre matkṛte raghunandana |

asmābhir viprahīṇāyā mātur no na bhavet sukham || 2.31.17 ||

Translation

Do so, O Saumitra, for my sake, O delight of the Raghus; for if our mother is separated from us, she will have no happiness.

Context

O delight of the Raghu race, do this for my sake, since deprived of us, there will be no happiness for our mother, O son of Sumitra!

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Mother (Kausalyā—contextually primary; also maternal duty generally)
• Raghu lineage

FAQs

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

Dharma requires safeguarding a parent’s well-being: a son’s duty is measured by the mother’s welfare, especially when circumstances (exile) threaten abandonment and grief.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma urges Lakṣmaṇa to remain behind (or otherwise ensure care), stressing that their mother’s happiness depends on not being left unsupported.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s empathy and responsibility—he prioritizes the emotional and practical security of his mother amid political upheaval.