Shloka 2.31.23

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

Devanagari script

धनुरादाय सशरं खनित्रपिटकाधरः।अग्रतस्ते गमिष्यामि पन्थानमनुदर्शयन्।।।।

Transliteration

kuruṣva mām anucaraṃ vaidharmyaṃ neha vidyate | kṛtārtho 'haṃ bhaviṣyāmi tava cārthaḥ prakalpate ||

Translation

Make me your attendant and follower; in this there is no breach of dharma. My purpose will be fulfilled, and your aim too shall be accomplished.

Context

Holding the bow and arrows and carrying a crowbar and a basket, I shall go in front of you leading the way.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Sevā as dharma: Lakṣmaṇa frames personal accompaniment not as indulgence but as righteous duty, explicitly denying any vaidharmya (ethical impropriety).

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa formally petitions Rāma to accept him as an attendant in the forest-exile, arguing it benefits both.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Selfless loyalty—Lakṣmaṇa seeks fulfillment through service rather than status or comfort.