Shloka 2.51.4

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Guha’s Vigil and Lakṣmaṇa’s Lament (Night on the riverbank)

Devanagari script

न हि रामात्प्रियतमो ममास्ति भुवि कश्चन।ब्रवीम्येतदहं सत्यं सत्येनैव च ते शपे।।।।

Transliteration

na hi me 'viditaṁ kiñcid vane 'smiṁś carataḥ sadā |

caturaṅgaṁ hy api balaṁ sumahat prasahēmahi ||

Translation

Nothing in this forest is unknown to me, for I move about here always. We could withstand even a vast fourfold army.

Context

For me, there is none dearer than Rama in this world. I speak the truth. I swear by truth.

Characters & Entities

• Guha
• Lakshmana
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes preparedness: protection is not merely intention but also capability and vigilance grounded in local knowledge.

What is the narrative situation?

Guha assures Lakshmana that he knows the forest well and can defend Rama’s party against serious threats.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability and protective competence—Guha offers both loyalty and practical security.