Shloka 1.1.25

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

तं व्रजन्तं प्रियो भ्राता लक्ष्मणोऽनुजगाम ह ।स्नेहाद्विनयसम्पन्नस्सुमित्रानन्दवर्धन: ।।।।भ्रातरं दयितो भ्रातुस्सौभ्रात्रमनुदर्शयन् ।

Transliteration

taṃ vrajantaṃ priyo bhrātā lakṣmaṇo ’nujagāma ha | snehād vinaya-sampannaḥ sumitrā-nanda-vardhanaḥ || bhrātaraṃ dayito bhrātuḥ saubhrātram anudarśayan ||

Translation

As Rāma set out, his dear brother Lakṣmaṇa followed him—out of affection, endowed with humility, delighting Sumitrā—openly displaying devoted brotherhood toward his beloved brother.

Context

Lakshmana beloved brother to Rama is drawn towards him. Endowed with modesty he is an enhancer of the joy of his mother Sumitra. Displaying his fraternal love, he followed Rama who was departing to the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• Sumitrā
• forest (implied by departure)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as loyal service and solidarity: Lakṣmaṇa chooses companionship and support for Rāma in hardship, embodying duty to family through selfless presence.

What is the narrative situation?

When Rāma departs for forest exile, Lakṣmaṇa refuses comfort at home and accompanies him, making exile a shared discipline rather than a solitary burden.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s bhakti-like devotion to Rāma and vinaya (humble discipline), shown through voluntary following and active demonstration of brotherhood.