Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 53, Shloka 22
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53)
Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
मन्ये प्रीतिविशिष्टा सा मत्तो लक्ष्मण शारिका।यस्यास्तच्छ्रूयते वाक्यं शुक पादमरेर्दश।।।।
manye prītiviśiṣṭā sā matto lakṣmaṇa śārikā |
yasyās tac chrūyate vākyaṁ śuka pādam areḥ daśa ||
ହେ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣ, ମୋତେ ଲାଗେ ମୋ ମାତାଙ୍କୁ ମୋଠାରୁ ତାଙ୍କର ଶାରିକା ଅଧିକ ପ୍ରିୟ; କାରଣ ତାଙ୍କ ମୁଖରୁ ଏହି ବାକ୍ୟ ଶୁଣାଯାଏ— ‘ହେ ଶୁକ, ଶତ୍ରୁର ପାଦକୁ କାମୁଡ଼!’
(On hearing my banishment) her myna would say to her parrot, 'O parrot, bite the foot of the enemy (Kaikeyi)'. I think that bird is a greater source of joy to my mother than I, O Lakshmana!
FAQs
Non-retaliation contrasted with natural anger: the verse shows how grievance arises, yet Rama’s broader dharma is to endure without vindictiveness—even while acknowledging pain.
Rama expresses anguish that his mother may find more comfort even in pet birds than in him, since his exile has become the cause of her distress.
Tender sensitivity: Rama’s acute awareness of emotional loss and his mother’s loneliness.