Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 17
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
दीप्तमग्निमरण्यं वा यदि रामः प्रवेक्ष्यति।प्रविष्टं तत्र मां देवि त्वं पूर्वमवधारय।।2.21.17।।
dīptam agnim araṇyaṃ vā yadi rāmaḥ pravekṣyati |
praviṣṭaṃ tatra māṃ devi tvaṃ pūrvam avadhāraya ||2.21.17||
देवि, पूर्वमेव निश्चयं कुरु—यदि रामो दीप्तमग्निं वा घोरमरण्यं वा प्रवेक्ष्यति, तत्र प्रविष्टा अहं प्रथममेव भविष्यामि।
Like the rising Sun dispelling darkness, I shall eliminate your sorrow. O mother! Let Rama see my valour. You, too.
FAQs
It emphasizes seva (service) and solidarity as dharma: standing with the righteous person in hardship, not merely in comfort.
Lakṣmaṇa declares he will accompany Rāma into any danger, including exile into the forest.
Self-sacrificing loyalty and courage—choosing companionship in suffering as a moral duty.