Shloka 2.51.6

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

Devanagari script

सोऽहं प्रियसखं रामं शयानं सह सीतया।रक्षिष्यामि धनुष्पाणि स्सर्वतो ज्ञातिभि स्सह।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṁ dāśarathau bhūmau śayāne saha sītayā |

śakyā nidrā mayā labdhuṁ jīvitaṁ vā sukhāni vā ||

Translation

When Rama, Dasaratha’s son, lies upon the bare earth with Sita, how could I ever find sleep—or even deem life or pleasure worth having?

Context

I along with my kinsmen, bow in hand, will protect my dear friend, Rama with Sita from every side.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• Rama (Dasarathi)
• Sita
• Dasaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma as empathetic solidarity: Lakshmana refuses personal comfort while Rama endures hardship, treating shared suffering as a moral obligation of love and duty.

What is the narrative situation?

During exile, Rama and Sita rest on the ground; Lakshmana, distressed, declares he cannot sleep or enjoy comfort while they suffer.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-denial and unwavering fraternal devotion—Lakshmana’s readiness to forgo comfort out of duty and love.