Shloka 2.86.10

लक्ष्मणगुणवर्णनम् — Lakshmana’s Vigil and Guha’s Testimony

Devanagari script

कथं दाशरथौ भूमौ शयाने सह सीतया।शक्या निद्रा मया लब्धुं जीवितं वा सुखानि वा।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ dāśarathau bhūmau śayāne saha sītayā | śakyā nidrā mayā labdhuṃ jīvitaṃ vā sukhāni vā ||

Translation

When Rāma, son of Daśaratha, lies upon the bare earth together with Sītā, how could sleep be possible for me—or even life, or any comfort at all?

Context

While Rama sleep on the ground with Sita, how can I find sleep or joy or comfort?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Daśaratha
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Guha

FAQs

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

Dharma is selfless service: Lakṣmaṇa cannot indulge in personal ease while Rāma and Sītā endure hardship; duty overrides comfort.

What is the narrative situation?

During the forest exile, as Rāma lies down with Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa remains wakeful and distressed, speaking to Guha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering sevā (attentive service) and empathy—his inability to rest when his elder brother suffers.