Shloka 4.54.20

अङ्गद-उपदेशः — Hanuman’s Counsel to Angada on Succession and Strategy

Devanagari script

न च जातु न हिंस्युस्त्वा घोरा लक्ष्मणसायकाः।अपावृत्तं जिघांसन्तो महावेगा दुरासदाः।।।।

Transliteration

na ca jātu na hiṁsyus tvā ghorā lakṣmaṇa-sāyakāḥ |

apāvṛttaṁ jighāṁsanto mahā-vegā durāsadāḥ ||

Translation

Lakṣmaṇa’s dreadful arrows—swift and hard to withstand—would not spare you; intent on killing a fleeing foe, they would surely strike and torment you.

Context

'It is not that Lakshmana's dreadful arrows flying at great speed will not torture you. It will be difficult for you to avert them as they are eager to kill an escaping enemy.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• Angada

FAQs

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

Dharma here is pragmatic righteousness: avoid needless bloodshed by choosing a lawful, peaceful course before violence becomes unavoidable.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman warns Angada about the danger of resisting or fleeing, implying that Lakṣmaṇa’s force would be decisive if conflict escalates.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanuman’s virtue of wise statecraft (nīti): he uses realistic consequences to steer Angada toward a dharmic resolution.