Shloka 2.31.5

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

Devanagari script

न देवलोकाक्रमणं नामरत्वमहं वृणे।ऐश्वर्यं वापि लोकानां कामये न त्वया विना।।।।

Transliteration

na devalokākramaṇaṃ nāmaratvam ahaṃ vṛṇe | aiśvaryaṃ vāpi lokānāṃ kāmaye na tvayā vinā ||

Translation

Without you, I would choose neither conquest of the realm of the devas nor immortality; nor do I desire sovereignty over the worlds, if you are not with me.

Context

Without you, I do not want victory over the gods or sovereignty over the worlds or even immortality.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmaṇa
• Rāma
• devaloka (world of the gods)
• amaratva (immortality)
• aiśvarya (sovereignty)

FAQs

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

Dharma is prioritized relationship-bound duty over personal gain: Lakshmaṇa rejects even divine rewards if they separate him from serving Rāma.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmaṇa responds to attempts to dissuade him, declaring that no reward—cosmic or divine—matters without Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Renunciation of self-interest (niṣkāma-sevā): he values righteous companionship above power, fame, or immortality.