द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark
Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12
गजपुष्पीमिमां फुल्लामुत्पाट्य शुभलक्षणाम्।कुरु लक्ष्मण कण्ठेऽस्य सुग्रीवस्य महात्मनः।।4.12.39।।
gajapuṣpīm imāṃ phullām utpāṭya śubhalakṣaṇām |
kuru lakṣmaṇa kaṇṭhe ’sya sugrīvasya mahātmanaḥ ||
Này Lakṣmaṇa, hãy hái dây gajapuṣpī đang nở rộ này, mang điềm lành, rồi đặt lên cổ của đại hồn Sugrīva.
'O Lakshmana! this Gajapushpi in bloom is auspicious. Pluck and fasten it on great Sugriva's neck.'
Dharma is expressed as safeguarding a just alliance through practical means—creating a clear identifier so that righteous action does not accidentally become wrongful harm.
To help Rāma recognize Sugrīva during the duel with Vāli, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to place a gajapuṣpī garland/creeper on Sugrīva.
Lakṣmaṇa’s sevā (devoted service) and prompt obedience in supporting Rāma’s dharmic plan.