Shloka 6.49.20

शरबन्धनविलापः (The Lament under the Net of Arrows)

Devanagari script

विससर्जैकवेगेनपञ्चबाणशतानियः ।इष्वस्त्रष्वधिकस्तस्मात्कार्तवीर्याच्चलक्ष्मणः ।।6.49.20।।

Transliteration

suruṣṭenāpi vīreṇa lakṣmaṇena na saṃsmare |

paruṣaṃ vipriyaṃ vāpi śrāvitaṃ na kadācana ||6.49.19||

Translation

Even when greatly angered, I do not recall the heroic Lakṣmaṇa ever having spoken a harsh or hateful word—not at any time.

Context

"He who, in one go released five hundred arrows (with two hand s) is therefore superior to Kartaveerya (with thousand hands) releasing the same arrows."

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as restraint in speech (vāg-saṃyama): even under provocation, one should not speak cruel or harmful words.

What is the narrative situation?

In the aftermath of the brothers being struck down, allies reflect on Lakṣmaṇa’s character, highlighting his disciplined conduct even in anger.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control and courteous speech (maryādā) even when provoked.