Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 6
शरणागति
धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
वानराधिपतेर्वाक्यंश्रुत्वासर्वानुदीक्ष्यच ।।।।ईषदुत्स्मयमानस्तुलक्ष्मणंपुण्यलक्षणम् ।इतिहोवाचकाकुत्स्थोवाक्यंसत्यपराक्रमः ।।।।
vānarādhipater vākyaṃ śrutvā sarvān udīkṣya ca | īṣad utsmayamānas tu lakṣmaṇaṃ puṇyalakṣaṇam | iti hovāca kākutstho vākyaṃ satyaparākramaḥ ||
वानरराज के वचन सुनकर और सबको देखकर, सत्यपराक्रमी काकुत्स्थ श्रीराम ने पुण्य-लक्षण लक्ष्मण की ओर हल्का-सा मुस्कराकर, इस प्रकार वचन कहा।
On hearing the words of the king of Vanaras, Rama of Kakuthsa dynasty and of truthful valour looked at all and threw a smile slightly at meritorious Lakshmana and spoke these words.
FAQs
Dharma is deliberative restraint: before deciding on refuge and war-policy, Rāma surveys the assembly and responds without haste, grounded in satya (truth).
After Sugrīva’s skeptical counsel, Rāma prepares to answer, signaling measured confidence and clarity.
Rāma’s satya-based steadiness and calm leadership, and his tacit rapport with Lakṣmaṇa.