Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 7
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
तदिदं वचनं राज्ञःपुनर्बाल्यमुपेयुषः।पुत्रः को हृदये कुर्याद्राजवृत्तमनुस्मरन्।।2.21.7।।
tad idaṁ vacanaṁ rājñaḥ punar bālyam upeyuṣaḥ | putraḥ ko hṛdaye kuryād rājavṛttam anusmaran || 2.21.7 ||
Anong anak, na inaalala ang wastong asal ng mga hari, ang maglalagay sa puso ng ganitong salita ng isang haring wari’y nagbalik sa pagkasanggol?
It is impossible for me not to execute the promise completely, O my dear, he (Dasaratha) is our preceptor and, therefore, fit to command us. Even for mother Kausalya, he is her husband, her refuge and her dharma.
FAQs
Dharma in kingship requires steadiness and principled judgment; impulsive or ‘childish’ decisions are seen as contrary to rāja-dharma.
Lakṣmaṇa reacts strongly to the king’s decision that leads to Rāma’s exile, questioning how such words can align with royal propriety.
Lakṣmaṇa’s fierce loyalty and protective vigilance toward Rāma, coupled with his insistence on standards of righteous governance.