Shloka 2.31.24

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

Devanagari script

आहरिष्यामि ते नित्यं मूलानि च फलानि च।वन्यानि यानि चान्यानि स्वाहाराणि तपस्विनाम्।।।।

Transliteration

dhanur ādāya saśaraṃ khanitrapiṭakādharaḥ | agratas te gamiṣyāmi panthānam anudarśayan ||

Translation

Taking up the bow with arrows, and carrying a spade and a basket, I will go ahead of you, showing you the path.

Context

I shall daily collect roots, fruits and other forest products fit for ascetics.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Bow (dhanuḥ)
• Arrows (śara)
• Khanitra (digging tool)
• Piṭaka (basket)

FAQs

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

Active service and protection: dharma is not only intention but practical readiness—Lakṣmaṇa offers leadership in hardship and defense in danger.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa describes the concrete duties he will perform in exile—carrying tools and weapons and guiding the route.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Readiness and guardianship—he assumes responsibility for safety and logistics.