Shloka 2.53.34

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

Devanagari script

स लक्ष्मणस्योत्तमपुष्कलं वचोनिशम्य चैवं वनवासमादरात्।समाः समस्ता विदधे परन्तपःप्रपद्य धर्मं सुचिराय राघवः।।।।

Transliteration

sa lakṣmaṇasyottamapuṣkalaṃ vaco niśamya caivaṃ vanavāsam ādarāt | samāḥ samastā vidadhe parantapaḥ prapadya dharmaṃ sucirāya rāghavaḥ ||

Translation

Rāghava (Rāma), a tormentor of enemies, listened with affection to Lakṣmaṇa’s excellent and ample counsel; embracing the dharma proper to forest-dwelling, he ordained life in the forest for the full span of years, for a long time to come.

Context

Rama, the tormentor of enemies, listened, out of love, to the excellent and copious words of Lakshmana and permitted him to live in the forest for the entire period of fourteen years by observing the prescribed code of conduct as enjoined on life in the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāghava
• dharma
• vanavāsa (forest exile)

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as a disciplined way of life: once the forest-exile is accepted, it must be lived according to the proper codes (self-restraint, simplicity, and duty), not merely endured as hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing Lakṣmaṇa’s determined request and reasoning, Rāma consents to Lakṣmaṇa accompanying him and living the entire exile-period in accordance with forest-dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness in dharma (rule-governed conduct) and his affectionate recognition of Lakṣmaṇa’s devoted service.