Shloka 6.21.16

सागरप्रतीक्षा-क्रोधप्रादुर्भावः (Rama’s Vigil at the Ocean and the Rise of Wrath)

Devanagari script

नसाम्नाशक्यतेकीर्तिर्नसाम्नाशक्यतेयशः ।प्राप्तुंलक्ष्मण लोकेऽस्मिन् ञ्जयोवारणमूर्धनि ।।6.21.16।।

Transliteration

na sāmnā śakyate kīrtir na sāmnā śakyate yaśaḥ | prāptuṃ lakṣmaṇa loke 'smin jayo vā raṇamūrdhani ||6.21.16||

Translation

“Lakṣmaṇa, in this world neither fame nor renown is gained merely by conciliation; nor is victory at the head of battle won by it alone.”

Context

"O! Lakshmana! Neither fame nor popularity can win a battle front in this world."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• raṇa (battle)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma requires appropriate means: conciliation has its place, but when dharma is obstructed, firmness and effective action may be necessary.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is justifying a shift from patient petitioning to decisive measures after the ocean’s continued silence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic discernment—choosing the right method (upāya) for a righteous objective.