Shloka 4.55.6

अङ्गदस्य प्रायोपवेशननिश्चयः (Angada’s Resolve to Fast unto Death)

Devanagari script

लक्ष्मणस्य भयाद्येन नाधर्मभयभीरुणा।आदिष्टा मार्गितुं सीतां धर्ममस्मिन्कथं भवेत्।।।।

Transliteration

lakṣmaṇasya bhayād yena nādharmabhayabhīruṇā |

ādiṣṭā mārgituṃ sītāṃ dharmam asmin kathaṃ bhavet ||

Translation

He ordered the search for Sītā out of fear of Lakṣmaṇa, not out of fear of unrighteousness. How, then, can there be any dharma in such a man?

Context

'Sugriva ordered search for Sita out of fear of Lakshmana and not out of fear of unrighteousness. How can such a man be pious?

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• Sugrīva
• Dharma

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as inner moral restraint: a ruler or leader should act from righteousness itself (fear of adharma and commitment to duty), not merely from fear of punishment or a stronger person.

What is the narrative situation?

After failing to find Sītā within the allotted time, Angada laments and criticizes Sugrīva’s motivation, arguing that the mission was driven by fear of Lakṣmaṇa rather than genuine duty toward Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral integrity in leadership—acting from dharma rather than coercion or fear.