Shloka 1.18.30

पुत्रजन्मोत्सवः — Birth of the Princes and Viśvāmitra’s Arrival (Bālakāṇḍa 18)

Devanagari script

यदा हि हयमारूढो मृगयां याति राघव:।।।।तदैनं पृष्ठतोऽन्वेति सधनु: परिपालयन्।

Transliteration

yadā hi hayamārūḍho mṛgayāṁ yāti rāghavaḥ ||

tadainaṁ pṛṣṭhato ’nveti sadhanuḥ paripālayan ||

Translation

Whenever Rāghava (Rāma) went hunting mounted on a horse, Lakṣmaṇa would follow behind him, bow in hand, guarding him.

Context

Whenever Raghava (Rama) went hunting into the forest, riding the horse, Lakshmana used to follow him holding bow and arrows (in his hand).

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• horse
• bow (dhanuḥ)
• hunting (mṛgayā)

FAQs

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

Protective duty (rakṣaṇa) as dharma: Lakṣmaṇa embodies vigilant service, placing the safety of the righteous leader above personal ease.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator depicts a recurring scene from the princes’ youth: Rāma goes out hunting, and Lakṣmaṇa accompanies him as an armed protector.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s guardianship, readiness, and unwavering companionship.