Shloka 2.53.22

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

Devanagari script

मन्ये प्रीतिविशिष्टा सा मत्तो लक्ष्मण शारिका।यस्यास्तच्छ्रूयते वाक्यं शुक पादमरेर्दश।।।।

Transliteration

manye prītiviśiṣṭā sā matto lakṣmaṇa śārikā |

yasyās tac chrūyate vākyaṁ śuka pādam areḥ daśa ||

Translation

Lakṣmaṇa, I think my mother’s myna is dearer to her than I—for from it one hears these words: “O parrot, bite the enemy’s foot!”

Context

(On hearing my banishment) her myna would say to her parrot, 'O parrot, bite the foot of the enemy (Kaikeyi)'. I think that bird is a greater source of joy to my mother than I, O Lakshmana!

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Kausalya (implied as mother)
• śārikā (myna)
• śuka (parrot)
• Kaikeyi (implied as 'enemy' per traditional context)

FAQs

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

Non-retaliation contrasted with natural anger: the verse shows how grievance arises, yet Rama’s broader dharma is to endure without vindictiveness—even while acknowledging pain.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama expresses anguish that his mother may find more comfort even in pet birds than in him, since his exile has become the cause of her distress.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tender sensitivity: Rama’s acute awareness of emotional loss and his mother’s loneliness.