Shloka 2.40.26

प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)

Devanagari script

महत्येषा हि ते सिध्दिरेष चाभ्युदयो महान्।एष स्वर्गस्य मार्गश्च यदेनमनुगच्छसि।।।।

Transliteration

mahaty eṣā hi te siddhir eṣa cābhyudayo mahān | eṣa svargasya mārgaś ca yad enam anugacchasi ||

Translation

Truly, this is a great attainment for you and a great increase of merit, since you follow him; indeed, this is the path to heaven.

Context

The very fact that you are following Rama is a great achievement and a great fortune for you. This, in fact, is the way to heaven.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• svarga (heaven)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through companionship with the righteous: following and supporting a virtuous person (here, Rāma) is presented as spiritually elevating and merit-producing.

What is the narrative situation?

The people comment on the greatness of accompanying Rāma into exile, framing Lakṣmaṇa’s choice as a noble, heaven-leading act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s devotion and moral courage—choosing hardship with righteousness over ease without it.