Shloka 2.86.20

लक्ष्मणगुणवर्णनम् — Lakshmana’s Vigil and Guha’s Testimony

Devanagari script

रम्यचत्वरसंस्थानां सुविभक्तमहापथाम्।हर्म्यप्रासादम्पन्नां सर्वरत्नविभूषिताम्।।2.86.19।।गजाश्वरथसंबाधां तूर्यनादविनादिताम्।सर्वकल्याणसंपूर्णां हृष्टपुष्टजनाकुलाम्।।2.86.20।।आरामोद्यानसंपूर्णां समाजोत्सवशालिनीम्।सुखिता विचरिष्यन्ति राजधानीं पितुर्मम।।2.86.21।।

Transliteration

ucito 'yaṃ janaḥ sarvo duḥkhānāṃ tvaṃ sukhocitaḥ |

dharmātmaṃs tasya guptyarthaṃ jāgariṣyāmahe vayam ||

Translation

“All these people are accustomed to hardship, but you are one accustomed to comfort, O righteous one. Therefore, for his protection, we will keep watch.”

Context

There in the capital of my father with its lovely crossroads and squares, welllaid highways, full of mansions and palaces encrusted with all kinds of precious stones, teeming with elephants, horses and chariots, resounding with trumpets, and with wellbeing everywhere, and plenty of pleasuregardens, and parks and community festivals, people sound in health would be moving about in great comfort.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma (implied by tasya and the protection-context)

FAQs

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

Dharma is collective guardianship: those able to endure hardship take up the burden so that the one less accustomed to it may rest, ensuring protection of the righteous.

What is the narrative situation?

Guha persuades Lakṣmaṇa to rest by explaining that Guha’s men can bear the night vigil and will guard Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Guha’s practical compassion and leadership—organizing protection as service to Rāma and consideration for Lakṣmaṇa.