Shloka 6.49.17

शरबन्धनविलापः (The Lament under the Net of Arrows)

Devanagari script

यथैवमांवनंयान्तमनुयातोमहाद्युतिः ।अहमप्यनुयास्यामितथैवैनंयमक्ष्यम् ।।6.49.17।।

Transliteration

yathaiva māṃ vanaṃ yāntam anuyāto mahādyutiḥ |

aham apy anuyāsyāmi tathaivainaṃ yamakṣayam || 6.49.17 ||

Translation

Just as that radiant one followed me when I went to the forest, so too will I follow him now—along the same path to Yama’s realm.

Context

"This Lakshmana glowing in brightness, travelled with me following me in the forest. In the same way I shall follow him to the abode of death."

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Forest (vana)
• Yama
• Yama’s abode (yamakṣaya)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is framed as unwavering reciprocity in loyalty: Rāma feels bound to match Lakṣmaṇa’s selfless following with his own—though the verse expresses grief-driven resolve rather than prescribed conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, convinced Lakṣmaṇa has died, declares he will follow him to death, recalling their forest exile companionship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Devotion and solidarity between brothers: Lakṣmaṇa’s earlier loyalty becomes the measure of Rāma’s response.