Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 97, Shloka 26
भरतागमनशङ्कानिवारणम् / Dispelling Suspicion about Bharata’s Arrival
Chitrakuta Encampment
न तु पश्यामि तच्छत्रं पाण्डुरं लोकसत्कृतम् |पितुर्दिव्यं महाबाहो संशयो भवतीह मे।।।।
na tu paśyāmi tac chatraṃ pāṇḍuraṃ lokasatkṛtam | pitur divyaṃ mahābāho saṃśayo bhavatīha me ||
Yet, O long-armed one, I do not see my father’s splendid white royal canopy, honoured among men; thus doubt arises in my mind.
I do not see, O long-armed one! that splendid white canopy of my father, well-respected by men. And this gives rise to doubts in my mind.
FAQs
Satya-aligned discernment: even with strong indications, one should acknowledge missing signs and avoid premature certainty.
Despite seeing royal animals and movement, Lakṣmaṇa notes the absence of Daśaratha’s distinctive white canopy, creating uncertainty about who leads the party.
Critical thinking and honesty—Lakṣmaṇa openly admits doubt rather than forcing a conclusion.