Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 27
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः
Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort
स चेद्राजन्यनेकाग्रे राज्यविभ्रमशङ्कया।नैवमिच्छसि धर्मात्मन् राज्यं राम त्वमात्मनि।।।।प्रतिजाने च ते वीर माऽभूवं वीरलोकभाक्।राज्यं च तव रक्षेयमहं वेलेव सागरम्।।।।
sa ced rājany anekāgre rājyavibhrama-śaṅkayā |
naivam icchasi dharmātman rājyaṃ rāma tvam ātmani ||
pratijāne ca te vīra mā bhūvaṃ vīra-loka-bhāk |
rājyaṃ ca tava rakṣeyam ahaṃ velā iva sāgaram ||
Kung, O dharmatmang Rāma, dahil ang hari’y nalilito at nangangamba ka sa kaguluhan sa kaharian, ayaw mong tanggapin ang pagkamaharlika para sa iyong sarili, kung gayon, O bayani, ito ang aking panunumpa sa iyo: nawa’y hindi ko makamtan ang daigdig ng mga bayani kung hindi ko iingatan ang iyong kaharian—gaya ng pampang na pumipigil at nagbabantay sa dagat.
O righteous one, if you apprehend chaos in the kingdom for want of wholehearted support from the (feudatory) kings then, O my valiant brother, I swear to you, I will protect your kingdom like the shore protecting the ocean. Or else, I shall never attain the afterworld of heroes.
FAQs
It elevates satya (truthfulness in vows) and rajadharma (protecting the realm) as binding duties; Lakṣmaṇa offers a dharmic solution—stability and protection—if Rāma hesitates.
Amid the succession crisis, Lakṣmaṇa proposes that if Rāma fears political fragmentation, Lakṣmaṇa himself will guarantee security and order, swearing an oath to that effect.
Unwavering loyalty expressed as a solemn vow, coupled with a commitment to protect the kingdom as a guardian—steadfastness in service.