Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 38
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः
Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort
अद्य चन्दनसारस्य केयूरामोक्षणस्य च।वसूनां च विमोक्षस्य सुहृदां पालनस्य च।।।।अनुरूपाविमौ बाहू राम कर्म करिष्यतः।अभिषेचनविघ्नस्य कर्तृ़णां ते निवारणे।।।।
adya candanasārasya keyūrāmokṣaṇasya ca |
vasūnāṃ ca vimokṣasya suhṛdāṃ pālanasya ca ||
anurūpāv imau bāhū rāma karma kariṣyataḥ |
abhiṣecanavighnasya kartṝṇāṃ te nivāraṇe ||
Hoje estes braços—feitos para a pasta de sândalo, para os braceletes, para a doação de riquezas e para a proteção dos amigos—cumprirão sua obra própria, ó Rama: conterão os que impedem a tua consagração.
O Rama, the greatest among the brave kshatriyas! you say this because of your fear that (by disobeying father's command) harm will be done to righteousness. This great haste is unwarranted for there is the least apprehension about people's verdict (in favour of exile). How do you, of all persons, speak about destiny as all-powerful in these circumstances when it is powerless?
FAQs
Lakshmana frames strength as meant for dharmic purposes—generosity, protection, and upholding rightful order—yet channels it toward confronting those blocking Rama’s coronation.
Lakshmana vows to act against the agents causing the interruption of Rama’s abhiṣeka.
Sevā (devoted service) expressed through valor—Lakshmana’s readiness to protect Rama’s honor and kingship.