Rama’s words profoundly stirred Lakshmana’s spirit, tossing him between waves of joy and sorrow. Locking his brows in anger and sighing like a serpent provoked, Lakshmana stood—his sharp, tearful gaze akin to a wrathful lion’s, his hands moving like an elephant’s trunk, his head shaking like a tiger ready to pounce. Fixing his eyes on Rama, he spoke with passion:
“O Rama, the noblest among the brave Kshatriyas! For fear of defying your father’s word, you have disregarded the welfare of the kingdom and its citizens, and hastened into this decision. To speak of God as the arbiter of such events is folly, for divine Favor depends on many uncertain factors. You glorify a weak and forlorn notion as supreme while ignoring the deceit woven by Dasaratha and Kaikeyi. Noble soul, they have struck at your honour under the guise of righteousness and ridiculed your virtue.
This is no divine will but a deliberate scheme by those sinners. Why were these boons demanded now and not long ago? They crafted this intricate ploy to evade the promise of your coronation. The entire city of Ayodhya stands against anyone else ascending the throne, yet you choose silence. O Rama, your devotion to duty blinds you to the treachery of these so-called parents. Their promise, born of deceit and craft, is a sin to fulfil.
Weak and timid souls depend on God, but the bold carve their destiny. Even divine will should not stand unchallenged when it contradicts justice. If any god dares to hinder your coronation, I am prepared to defy him, as a mighty elephant defies its rider. Be it the Lokpal’s or any force in the three worlds, none can stop your ascent to the throne!
O Rama, I will shatter the greed of our mother, the helplessness of our father, and the ambition of Bharata. The havoc I shall wreak upon them will make natural calamities seem tame. Whoever opposes your rule will face the wrath of my bow, arrows, and sword—tools meant not for ornament but for destruction. No enemy who confronts me shall survive, not even Indra himself. The earth shall be drenched in blood, strewn with shattered limbs, if battle is necessary.
Let me dethrone Dasaratha and restore to you what is rightfully yours. You shall rule Ayodhya for a thousand years, and only when your sons are ready to govern as righteous kings may you retire to the forest in accordance with Raja dharma. Our father’s wavering mind has jeopardized the kingdom, but I shall protect it with my strength, devotion, and unwavering resolve. Accept the coronation now, and I shall face any king who dares oppose it!”
Lakshmana’s fiery words, laden with youthful fervour and righteous indignation, poured forth in a torrent of frustration and anger. His gestures and speech betrayed the inner turmoil of a mind overwhelmed by loyalty, fear, and a sense of justice. His outburst, though impassioned, revealed the raw emotions of one untampered by maturity—a common man’s anguish magnified by extraordinary circumstances.
Societal discord often arises from such impetuous decisions, driven by ego, the thirst for power, and the overestimation of one’s strength without regard for consequences. Balance, decorum, and adherence to dharma are the anchors of harmony.
With serene composure, Rama wiped his tearful eyes and gently addressed his brother:
“Lakshmana, I am bound by my father’s word. This is the only path of righteousness.”
These simple words of unwavering honesty and faith extinguished the fire in Lakshmana’s heart. The scene, rich with contrasts—emotion and reason, present and future, faith and logic—found resolution in Rama’s steadfast commitment to dharma. Amidst the intricate interplay of fate and human action, the beauty of divine design unfolded, a testament to the enduring power of righteousness.