Shloka 6.49.18

शरबन्धनविलापः (The Lament under the Net of Arrows)

Devanagari script

इष्टबन्धुजनोनित्यंमांचनित्यमनुव्रतः ।इमामद्यगतोऽवस्थांममानार्यस्यदुर्नयैः ।।6.49.18।।

Transliteration

iṣṭabandhujano nityaṃ māṃ ca nityam anuvrataḥ |

imām adya gato 'vasthāṃ mamānāryasya durnayaiḥ || 6.49.18 ||

Translation

He who was ever dear to kinsmen, and who ever followed me with steadfast devotion—has today come to this condition because of the misguided course of me, the ignoble one.

Context

"He who was liked by relatives, was following ignoble me ever devoutly has reached this state."

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Relatives/kinsmen (bandhu-jana)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the honest recognition of causality and responsibility: Rāma interprets Lakṣmaṇa’s suffering as the outcome of his own flawed course, underscoring satya as self-incrimination rather than self-defense.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reflects on Lakṣmaṇa’s beloved status and constant devotion, and blames himself for Lakṣmaṇa’s present fallen condition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s steadfastness (anuvratatā): unwavering adherence to Rāma’s path, even at great personal cost.