Rama, the mighty protector of the universe and savior of the world, beheld the grim remnants of battle and, in a surge of divine rage, issued a formidable challenge to the demonic realms. His resolve was not of mere threats but a determined vow to eradicate the demon world. His eyes burned red with fury, his posture noble and fierce, and with his bow drawn taut, he struck terror into the heart of Lakshmana, who had never before witnessed such an intense transformation in his revered brother.
With hands folded in humble reverence, Lakshmana addressed Rama, “O noble one, whose demeanor is ever gentle and senses ever controlled, all beings find solace and faith in your grace and might. Your very name instills confidence in the universe. It is not befitting for you to abandon your compassionate nature and succumb to the abyss of wrath.
“Rama, your fame is constant, like the moon’s kindness, the sun’s sustenance, the air’s rejuvenation, and the earth’s tolerance. Your power and bravery remain unmatched. To punish the world for one man’s transgression is unwise. We know not who owned this chariot of war, nor who fell by it. This forest bears the marks of a single warrior’s conflict—furrows of chariot wheels, horse hoofprints, and bloodstains. It speaks of a lone combatant, not a clash of armies.
“O preserver of peace, it is the king’s duty to protect the innocent and chastise the guilty. When such a rule prevails, peace and confidence will thrive among the people. Rama, you are the guardian of their safety and the custodian of their comfort. Who would wish you ill? Who would rejoice in your sorrow? The world shares in your grief, especially in your separation from Sita.
“Even in great sacrifices, harm is not wished upon rivers, mountains, forests, gods, Gandharvas, or giants. You, too, should be above such destructive impulses. Let us, with bow and arrow, search for the perpetrator who has stolen Sita. We shall explore the depths of oceans, the heights of mountains, the secret caves, and the dense forests. We will continue our quest in every realm until Sita is found.
“O king of Kosala, if the gods do not respond to our fair inquiry and just efforts, then we shall consider a more severe course of action. But only if your gentle and compassionate approach fails should your unstoppable, fiery arrows come into play.
“Lakshmana, with wise counsel, sought to calm Rama’s fury, for unchecked rage could bring ruin to the world. He reminded Rama of his divine birth, a gift to Dasaratha, and the embodiment of dharma. The grief that consumed Dasaratha at parting from his righteous son led to his demise, as Bharatha relayed.
“Rama, you, a scion of the illustrious Ikshvaku lineage, must endure sorrow with the fortitude befitting a king. How, then, can ordinary folk withstand their trials if you falter? Driven by grief, to unleash destruction on the world would bring anguish to the innocent.
“Even the mighty, like Nahusha and Yayati, faced calamities despite their virtues. The great sage Vasishta, our guide and savior of the Ikshvaku dynasty, endured the loss of a hundred sons in a single day. The earth, revered as the mother of all, sometimes trembles, and the invincible sun and moon are occasionally eclipsed. No one can escape the vigilance of time or the will of the gods.
“O faultless warrior, whatever befalls Sita, do not give in to the untamed emotions of common men. You, ever the seeker of truth, must remain unshaken even in the face of calamity. Weigh the situation with your profound wisdom, for you are capable of distinguishing good from evil. Deeds, fleeting as they are, dissolve upon completion, and no one escapes the fruits of past actions.
“You have often enlightened me, O wise king, your brilliance and wisdom unmatched. Even the gods cannot fathom your depth. My intent is to awaken your dormant harmony and wisdom.
“Rama, mass destruction is an act of cowardice and thoughtlessness, a crime against the universe. Find the culprit and administer justice; this is the righteous path.
“Lakshmana, with masterful skill, averted the inferno that Rama’s grief threatened to unleash. His words of counsel and timely intervention reminded Rama of the virtues of justice and restraint. Lakshmana demonstrated not only his loyalty as a brother but also his role as a wise guide, reinforcing the moral codes that bind human beings. He underscored the inevitability of fate’s impartial march, which none but the Creator can control.”