Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 35
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः
Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort
बद्धगोधाङ्गुलित्राणे प्रगृहीतशरासने।कथं पुरुषमानी स्यात्पुरुषाणां मयि स्थिते।।।।
baddhagodhāṅgulitrāṇe pragṛhītaśarāsane | kathaṃ puruṣamānī syāt puruṣāṇāṃ mayi sthite || 2.23.35 ||
बद्धगोधाङ्गुलित्राणे प्रगृहीतशरासने मयि पुरुषेषु स्थिते। कथं कश्चित् पुरुषमानी पुरुषाणां मध्ये स्यात्।।
When I stand before men (enemies) wearing godha and finger-protector, holding the bow ready, who amongst men will boast of his manliness?
FAQs
Dharma is expressed as preparedness to defend the righteous: disciplined readiness prevents chaos and protects the innocent and the rightful sovereign.
Lakṣmaṇa describes himself fully equipped as an archer, asserting that no opponent would dare challenge when he is present.
Martial discipline and intimidating resolve in service of loyalty.