अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
किं जीवितेनेह विना त्वया मेलोकेन वा किं स्वधयाऽमृतेन।श्रेयो मुहूर्तं तव सन्निधानं ममेह कृत्स्नादपि जीवलोकात्।।2.21.52।।
kiṃ jīvitena iha vinā tvayā me
lokena vā kiṃ svadhayā amṛtena |
śreyo muhūrtaṃ tava sannidhānaṃ
mama iha kṛtsnād api jīvalokāt || 2.21.52 ||
Que proveito tenho da vida aqui sem ti? Que proveito tenho do céu, das oferendas aos ancestrais, ou mesmo do néctar? Para mim, um só instante da tua presença é melhor do que este mundo inteiro dos vivos sem ti.
What is the purpose of my life in this world without you? What purpose do I have with the other world or with the oblations (offered to manes) or with nectar (availble to the gods). I would prefer one moment in your company to the whole world of living beings (without you).
The verse dramatizes the conflict between personal attachment and dharmic duty; it shows how powerful love can challenge acceptance of a righteous course.
Kausalya pleads emotionally, declaring that neither this world nor the next has value for her without Rama.
Deep maternal devotion—though it also highlights the human difficulty of detachment when dharma demands separation.