Shloka 2.78.20

अष्टसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Śatrughna’s Fury and Bharata’s Restraint (Mantharā Episode)

Devanagari script

तैर्वाक्यैः परुषैर्दुःखैः कैकेयी भृशदुःखिता।शत्रुघ्नभयसन्त्रस्ता पुत्रं शरणमागता।।।।

Transliteration

balavān vīryasampanno lakṣmaṇo nāma yo 'py asau |

kiṁ na mocayate rāmaṁ kṛtvā sma pitṛnigraham ||

Translation

And why did Lakṣmaṇa—strong and full of valor—not free Rāma by restraining our father?

Context

Kaikeyi, deeply distressed at those harsh and grievous words was afraid of Satrughna and sought the protection of her son Bharata.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• father (Daśaratha, implicit)

FAQs

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

It probes the limits of righteous action: even justified outrage must consider dharma—whether ‘restraining the father’ is lawful or an unacceptable breach of filial and royal order.

What is the narrative situation?

Śatrughna questions why Lakṣmaṇa did not intervene forcefully to prevent Rāma’s exile, reflecting the family’s turmoil after Daśaratha’s decision.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s self-control by implication: despite strength, he does not violate dharma by coercing the king, showing restraint over impulsive force.