Shloka 2.44.4

सुमित्रोपदेशः — Sumitra’s Consolation to Kausalya

Devanagari script

यस्तवार्ये गतः पुत्रस्त्यक्त्वा राज्यं महाबलः।साधु कुर्वन् महात्मानं पितरं सत्यवादिनम्।।2.44.3।।शिष्टैराचरिते सम्यक्छश्वत्प्रेत्यफलोदये।रामो धर्मे स्थित श्रेष्ठो न स शोच्यः कदाचन।।2.44.4।।

Transliteration

vartate cottamāṃ vṛttiṃ lakṣmaṇo ’smin sadānaghaḥ | dayāvān sarva-bhūteṣu lābhas tasya mahātmanaḥ ||

Translation

Blameless Lakṣmaṇa has, in this matter, upheld the highest conduct; compassionate toward all beings—this is the true gain of that great-souled one.

Context

In order to vindicate the words of his great and truthful father, O noble lady,your mighty son has renounced the kingdom and has gone (to the forest). He has stuck to the path so scrupulously followed by the wise, the everlasting results of which can be fully realised in the world to come. Such a peerless son is never to be grieved over.

Characters & Entities

• Sumitrā
• Kausalyā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is ‘uttamā vṛtti’—exemplary conduct grounded in compassion. True benefit is moral excellence, not material advantage.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumitrā highlights Lakṣmaṇa’s noble behavior in supporting Rāma, using it to reassure Kausalyā that dharmic support surrounds Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s loyalty and compassion—steadfast, selfless support combined with kindness to all beings.