Shloka 2.58.29

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

इदं तावद्यथाकाममीश्वरस्य कृते कृतम्।रामस्य तु परित्यागे न हेतु मुपलक्षये।।।।

Transliteration

idaṃ tāvad yathākāmam īśvarasya kṛte kṛtam | rāmasya tu parityāge na hetum upalakṣaye ||

Translation

This, at least, has been done as though by sheer arbitrary will—perhaps even under the guise of duty toward the Lord; but for abandoning Rāma I perceive no valid reason at all.

Context

'Or he might have thought he is the overlord and can do as he likes. (Or, he might have done this for fear of God) Otherwise, I do not see any reason for the abandonment of Rama'.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Īśvara (the Lord/God)

FAQs

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

True dharma requires rational moral grounds; invoking God or authority cannot sanctify an unjust act.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa continues his protest, rejecting any justification for Rāma’s abandonment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity in moral reasoning—Lakṣmaṇa refuses to accept pious rhetoric as a substitute for justice.