Shloka 6.102.5
लक्ष्मण-प्राणरक्षा: (Lakshmana’s Revival by the Herb-Mountain)
अ यं स समरश्लाघीभ्रातामेशुभलक्षणः ।यदिपञ्चत्वमापन्नःप्राणैर्मेकिंसुखेनवा ।।।।
na hi pratijñāṃ kurvanti vitathāṃ satyavādinaḥ |
lakṣaṇaṃ hi mahattvasya pratijñāparipālanam ||
For those who speak truth do not make vows in vain; keeping one’s pledge is indeed the mark of greatness.
'Lakshmana, my brother, is praised for his efficiency in war, is endowed with auspicious marks. If he is met with death, what use is my happiness and life for me?'
Satya expressed as vow-keeping: a righteous person’s word must become reality; fidelity to one’s pledge is a defining sign of moral greatness.
As Rāma is emotionally shaken in the battle, an ally urges him to return to his dharmic resolve by remembering the sanctity of his vow.
Integrity—steadfastness to one’s pledged word (pratijñā) as the hallmark of a great ruler and warrior.