Shloka 5.67.21

अभिज्ञानवृत्तान्त-प्रत्यायनम् (Token of Recognition and the Crow–Brahmāstra Episode)

Devanagari script

भ्रातुरादेशमाज्ञाय लक्ष्मणो वा परन्तपः।।।।स किमर्थं नरवरो न मां रक्षति राघवः।

Transliteration

bhrātur ādeśam ājñāya lakṣmaṇo vā parantapaḥ | sa kim arthaṃ naravaro na māṃ rakṣati rāghavaḥ |

Translation

Or else—having received his brother’s command—why does Lakṣmaṇa, the scorcher of foes, not protect me? For what reason does Rāghava, the best of men, not rescue me?

Context

'For what reason is the the scorcher of enemies, Lakshmana, the best of men also does not protect me at the behest of Rama, his brother?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma includes duty-bound protection of the vulnerable; Sītā appeals to the obligations of kinship and righteous leadership to end neglect.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā questions the delay: if Lakṣmaṇa follows Rāma’s command, and both are capable, why has rescue not yet occurred?

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s obedience and martial capacity are invoked; the verse presses that such virtues must translate into protective action.