Shloka 2.92.23

भरद्वाजाश्रमात् चित्रकूटमार्गनिर्देशः — Directions from Bharadvaja’s Hermitage to Chitrakuta

Devanagari script

अस्या वामभुजं श्लिष्टा यैषा तिष्ठति दुर्मनाः। कर्णिकारस्य शाखेव शीर्णपुष्पा वनान्तरे।।2.92.22।। एतस्यास्तु सुतौ देव्याः कुमारौ देववर्णिनौ। उभौ लक्ष्मणशत्रुघ्नौ वीरौ सत्यपराक्रमौ।।2.92.23।।

Transliteration

etasyāstu sutau devyāḥ kumārau devavarṇinau |

ubhau lakṣmaṇaśatrughnau vīrau satyaparākramau || 2.92.23 ||

Translation

Of this queen, there are two sons—two princes of godlike beauty—both heroes, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna, whose valor is true and never in vain.

Context

This lady plunged in grief, resembling the branch of a karnikara tree in the midst of the forest with blossoms withered and leaning on the left arm of Kausalya, is queen Sumitra, mother of two heroes, comparable to gods in beauty and possessing true prowess -- Lakshmana and Satrughna.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Śatrughna
• Sumitrā

FAQs

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

The verse praises ‘satya-parākrama’—valor aligned with truth and right purpose—implying that strength is dharmic only when guided by integrity and rightful ends.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata is identifying the queens and their children to sage Bharadvāja while traveling to meet Rāma; here he points to Sumitrā as mother of Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast, truthful heroism: Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna are presented as warriors whose courage serves righteous duty rather than ego or empty display.