Shloka 2.37.8

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

लक्ष्मणश्चापि तत्रैव विहाय वसने शुभे।तापसाच्छादने चैव जग्राह पितुरग्रतः।।2.37.8।।

Transliteration

lakṣmaṇaś cāpi tatraiva vihāya vasane śubhe | tāpasācchādane caiva jagrāha pitur agrataḥ || 2.37.8 ||

Translation

Lakṣmaṇa too, right there, discarded his auspicious garments and, in his father’s presence, took up the covering of an ascetic.

Context

Lakshmana also removed his auspicious raiment in front (presence) of his father and accepted (put on) the robes of an ascetic.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Daśaratha (father)
• ascetic clothing (tāpasācchādana)

FAQs

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

Dharma expressed as loyal service aligned with righteousness: Lakṣmaṇa embraces hardship voluntarily to uphold familial duty and moral solidarity.

What is the narrative situation?

As preparations for exile unfold, Lakṣmaṇa publicly adopts ascetic attire before Daśaratha, signaling his resolve to accompany Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Devotion and steadfast loyalty: he chooses renunciation not by compulsion but by commitment.