Shloka 2
Pṛthā’s Atithi-Sevā and the Gift of the Deva-Āhvāna Mantra (पृथायाः अतिथिसेवा तथा देवाह्वानमन्त्रप्रदानम्)
स वीक्षमाणस्तत् सैन्यं रामदर्शनकाड्क्षया । अपश्यच्चापि सौमित्रिं धनुष्पाणिं व्यवस्थितम्,फिर जब उसने भगवान् श्रीरामके दर्शनकी इच्छासे उस सेनामें इधर-उधर दृष्टि डाली, तब उसे हाथमें धनुष लिये सुमित्रानन्दन लक्ष्मण खड़े दिखायी दिये
sa vīkṣamāṇas tat sainyaṃ rāmadarśanakāṅkṣayā | apaśyaccāpi saumitriṃ dhanuṣpāṇiṃ vyavasthitam ||
Scanning that army with a longing to behold Rāma, he looked about—and there he saw Saumitrī (Lakṣmaṇa), Sumitrā’s son, standing firmly in position with bow in hand. The verse highlights devotion guiding perception: the seeker’s desire for the righteous leader (Rāma) leads him first to encounter steadfast dharmic support (Lakṣmaṇa), poised for duty.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Longing for the righteous (Rāma) shapes one’s attention and values; the first figure seen is Lakṣmaṇa, embodying steadfast support, discipline, and readiness—suggesting that devotion naturally recognizes dharmic strength and loyal service.
A character surveys an assembled army while seeking a sight of Rāma; in the midst of that host he notices Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitrī), standing stationed with a bow, prepared and vigilant.