Shloka 2.40.3

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

Devanagari script

अअन्वक्षं लक्ष्मणो भ्रातुः कौशल्यामभ्यवादयत्।अथ मातु स्सुमित्राया जग्राह चरणौ पुनः।।।।

Transliteration

ānvakṣaṃ lakṣmaṇo bhrātuḥ kauśalyām abhyavādayat | atha mātuḥ sumitrāyā jagrāha caraṇau punaḥ ||

Translation

Right after his brother, Lakṣmaṇa bowed in reverence to Kauśalyā; then again he clasped the feet of his own mother, Sumitrā.

Context

Immediately following Rama, his brother, Lakshmana also paid obeisance to Kausalya and, thereafter, held the feet of his own mother Sumitra.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Kauśalyā
• Sumitrā

FAQs

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

Dharma is maryādā—proper conduct toward elders: even at a moment of departure and crisis, Lakṣmaṇa prioritizes respectful salutations and seeks blessings.

What is the narrative situation?

Preparing to accompany Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa follows the ritual and emotional protocol of taking leave—first honoring Kauśalyā, then his own mother Sumitrā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s humility and discipline—reverence that remains steady even under intense pressure.