Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 58, Shloka 31
अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58)
Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold
अहं तावन्महाराजे पितृत्वं नोपलक्ष्ये।भ्राता भर्ता च बन्धुश्च पिता च मम राघवः।।।।
ahaṃ tāvan mahārāje pitṛtvaṃ nopalakṣye |
bhrātā bhartā ca bandhuś ca pitā ca mama rāghavaḥ ||
“Sa ganang akin, hindi ko na nakikilala ang pagka-ama sa dakilang hari. Para sa akin, si Rāghava lamang ang kapatid, tagapagtanggol, kamag-anak—at ama.”
O great king as for that sensitive Janaki, she stood sighing, stupefied and oblivious (of the past), yet smiling as though her mind was possessed by an evil spirit.
FAQs
Dharma is portrayed as allegiance to the truly righteous: when authority fails in duty, moral loyalty shifts to the dharmic person (Rama).
In the emotional rupture caused by Rama’s exile, Lakshmana declares that Rama—not the king—has become his sole refuge and guiding authority.
Lakshmana’s unwavering devotion and moral clarity in choosing service to Rama.