Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 31, Shloka 3
लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः
Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons
यदि गन्तुं कृताबुद्धिर्वनं मृगगजायुतम्।अहं त्वानुगमिष्यामि वनमग्रे धनुर्धरः।।।।
yadi gantuṃ kṛtābuddhir vanaṃ mṛgagajāyutam | ahaṃ tvānugamiṣyāmi vanam agre dhanurdharaḥ ||
もしあなたが鹿や象の群れる森へ行くと決意されたなら、私もまたあなたに従って森へ参ります。弓を執り、先頭に立って。
O Lakshmana! in the great sacrifice performed by the high-souled Janaka, Varuna himself gave him two awe-inspiring celestial bows, two impenetrable divine armours, two quivers with inexhaustible arrows, two swords plated with gold and as bright as the sun. All these weapons are deposited in the house of our preceptor (sage Vasistha) where they are being worshipped. Go and bring them swiftly.
FAQs
Dharma here is expressed as steadfast duty and loyal service to a righteous elder—Lakṣmaṇa chooses accompaniment and protection as a moral obligation, not as personal gain.
As Rāma prepares for forest-exile, Lakṣmaṇa declares his determination to accompany him and act as his armed protector.
Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering devotion, courage, and readiness to shoulder hardship for the sake of righteousness and family duty.