Shloka 2.53.25
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
एको ह्यहमयोध्यां च पृथिवीं चापि लक्ष्मण।तरेयमिषुभिः क्रुद्धो ननु वीर्यमकारणम्।।।।
eko hy aham ayodhyāṃ ca pṛthivīṃ cāpi lakṣmaṇa | tareyam iṣubhiḥ kruddho nanu vīryam akāraṇam ||
O Lakṣmaṇa, if I were enraged, I could, all alone, subdue Ayodhyā—even the whole earth—by my arrows. Yet to display one’s prowess without a just cause is not right.
Once enraged, O Lakshmana I can overpower Ayodhya, even the whole world all by myself with my arrows. But exhibition of prowess without any reason is not desirable.
True strength is governed by dharma: power should not be used merely to prove capability; it must have a righteous cause and proportional purpose.
Rāma, in exile, speaks to Lakṣmaṇa about his capacity for force, while restraining himself from acting out of anger or pride.
Self-restraint (dama) and principled conduct—Rāma’s refusal to misuse power even when he possesses it.