Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 9
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
मया पार्श्वे सधनुषा तव गुप्तस्य राघव।क स्समर्थोऽधिकं कर्तुं कृतान्तस्येव तिष्ठतः।।2.21.9।।
mayā pārśve sadhanuṣā tava guptasya rāghava | kaḥ samartho 'dhikaṁ kartuṁ kṛtāntasyeva tiṣṭhataḥ || 2.21.9 ||
O Rāghava, kung ako’y nasa iyong tabi, may hawak na pana at nagbabantay sa iyo—sino ang makapangangahas gumawa ng anumang labis laban sa iyo, habang ikaw ay nakatindig na parang si Kṛtānta, ang Kamatayan?
While the righteous king is living, more importantly treading the righteous path, howcan mother Kausalya, like an ordinary widow, accompany me leaving this city?
FAQs
Dharma includes defending the righteous against wrongdoing; Lakṣmaṇa frames protection of Rāma as a just, force-backed deterrence.
Lakṣmaṇa reassures Rāma of his armed support and implies that no one can oppress Rāma if they stand together.
Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering devotion and martial readiness (kṣātra-tejas) in service of what he perceives as justice.