Shloka 2.86.19
लक्ष्मणगुणवर्णनम् — Lakshmana’s Vigil and Guha’s Testimony
रम्यचत्वरसंस्थानां सुविभक्तमहापथाम्।हर्म्यप्रासादम्पन्नां सर्वरत्नविभूषिताम्।।।।गजाश्वरथसंबाधां तूर्यनादविनादिताम्।सर्वकल्याणसंपूर्णां हृष्टपुष्टजनाकुलाम्।।।।आरामोद्यानसंपूर्णां समाजोत्सवशालिनीम्।सुखिता विचरिष्यन्ति राजधानीं पितुर्मम।।।।
taṃ jāgrataṃ guṇair yuktaṃ śaracāpāsidhāriṇam |
bhrātṛguptyartham atyantam ahaṃ lakṣmaṇam abruvam ||
Seeing Lakṣmaṇa fully awake—virtuous, and bearing arrows, bow, and sword—for the sole purpose of guarding his brother, I addressed him.
There in the capital of my father with its lovely cross-roads and squares, well-laid highways, full of mansions and palaces encrusted with all kinds of precious stones, teeming with elephants, horses and chariots, resounding with trumpets, and with well-being everywhere, and plenty of pleasure-gardens, and parks and community festivals, people sound in health would be moving about in great comfort.
Dharma appears as fraternal responsibility: Lakṣmaṇa’s righteousness is expressed through vigilant protection of his elder brother, placing duty above personal comfort.
Guha describes the night when Lakṣmaṇa remains awake with weapons, guarding Rāma during their forest journey, and Guha speaks to him.
Lakṣmaṇa’s steadfast loyalty and alert guardianship—discipline, readiness, and selfless service.