Shloka 2.53.31

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

Devanagari script

न च सीता त्वया हीना न चाहमपि राघव।मुहूर्तमपि जीवावो जलान्मत्स्याविनोद्धृतौ।।।।

Transliteration

na ca sītā tvayā hīnā na cāham api rāghava | muhūrtam api jīvāvo jalān matsyāv inoddhṛtau ||

Translation

O Rāghava, neither Sītā without you—nor I—could live even for a moment, like fish drawn out of water.

Context

Without you Sita or I will not survive even for a moment like a fish taken out ofwater, O Rama!

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• Rama (Raghava)
• Sita

FAQs

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

Dharma is relational duty: Lakṣmaṇa expresses that his life-purpose is bound to service and loyalty to Rāma, upheld in truth (satya) without hesitation.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa insists that separation from Rāma is impossible for him and Sītā, reinforcing companionship in exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unconditional devotion and fraternal fidelity—Lakṣmaṇa’s identity is anchored in service to Rāma.