Shloka 2.31.27
लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः (Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons)
ये च राज्ञो ददौ दिव्ये महात्मा वरुण स्स्वयम्।जनकस्य महायज्ञे धनुषी रौद्रदर्शने।।।।अभेद्यकवचे दिव्ये तूणी चाक्षयसायकौ।आदित्यविमलौ चोभौ खड्गौ हेमपरिष्कृतौ।।।।सत्कृत्य निहितं सर्वमेतदाचार्यसद्मनि।सर्वमायुधमादाय क्षिप्रमाव्रज लक्ष्मण।।।।
yadi gantuṃ kṛtābuddhir vanaṃ mṛgagajāyutam | ahaṃ tvānugamiṣyāmi vanam agre dhanurdharaḥ ||
If you have resolved to go to the forest, rich with deer and elephants, I too will follow you to the woods—walking ahead, bow in hand.
O Lakshmana! in the great sacrifice performed by the high-souled Janaka, Varuna himself gave him two awe-inspiring celestial bows, two impenetrable divine armours, two quivers with inexhaustible arrows, two swords plated with gold and as bright as the sun. All these weapons are deposited in the house of our preceptor (sage Vasistha) where they are being worshipped. Go and bring them swiftly.
Dharma here is expressed as steadfast duty and loyal service to a righteous elder—Lakṣmaṇa chooses accompaniment and protection as a moral obligation, not as personal gain.
As Rāma prepares for forest-exile, Lakṣmaṇa declares his determination to accompany him and act as his armed protector.
Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering devotion, courage, and readiness to shoulder hardship for the sake of righteousness and family duty.