Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 45
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
अनुमन्यस्व मां देवि गमिष्यन्तमितो वनम्।शापिताऽसि मम प्राणैः कुरु स्वस्त्ययनानि मे।।2.21.45।।
anumanyasva māṃ devi gamiṣyantam ito vanam |
śāpitā ’si mama prāṇaiḥ kuru svastyayanāni me ||2.21.45||
देवि, इतो वनं गन्तुमुद्यतं मां अनुमन्यस्व। मम प्राणैः शपामि—मम स्वस्त्ययनानि मङ्गलाशिषश्च विधेहि॥
I have decided, O mother! to go to the forest from here. Grant me the permission to do so. I swear on my life. Perform all the ceremonies for securing prosperity for me.
FAQs
Dharma includes honoring one’s mother and seeking her consent and blessings before undertaking a difficult duty. Rāma integrates personal sacrifice with ritual and familial propriety.
Rāma, about to depart for exile, asks Kausalyā to give permission and perform auspicious protective rites for his journey.
Reverence and responsibility: Rāma does not proceed harshly or independently, but seeks maternal sanction and blessings.