Shloka 2.53.10

पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation

Devanagari script

को ह्यविद्वानपि पुमान् प्रमदायाः कृते त्यजेत्।छन्दानुवर्तिनं पुत्रं तातो मामिव लक्ष्मण।।।।

Transliteration

ko hy avidvān api pumān pramadāyāḥ kṛte tyajet | chandānuvartinaṃ putraṃ tāto mām iva lakṣmaṇa ||2.53.10||

Translation

O Lakṣmaṇa, what man—even if unlearned—would abandon, for a woman’s sake, an obedient son like me, as my father has done?

Context

O Lakshmana, will even an illiterate man for the sake of a woman ever abandon his son like me who is faithful and obedient, as did my father?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Daśaratha (implied by 'father')
• woman (Kaikeyī implied)

FAQs

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

The verse questions a lapse in discernment: dharma requires reasoned judgment not to sacrifice rightful duty and familial responsibility under overpowering attachment.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, pained by exile, speaks candidly to Lakṣmaṇa about being forsaken by his father under Kaikeyī’s influence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s frankness and moral clarity—he articulates the ethical problem even while personally suffering.