Lakshmana Calls the Axe an Empty Display
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 270
Doha 273 · Movement 1 of 2
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Lakshmana smiles and praises the sage as a mighty warrior. Why display the axe again and again? No tender pumpkin vine stands here to die at the sight of a raised finger, and a puff of breath cannot blow away a mountain.
He admits that bow, arrows, and axe drew proud words from him. Yet the sacred thread identifies a son of Bhrigu, so Lakshmana restrains anger. His house does not wield force against gods, Brahmins, devotees of Hari, or cows.
To slay Parashurama would bring sin; defeat would bring disgrace; even while striking, Lakshmana would have to fall at his feet. The sage's speech already hits like ten million thunderbolts, so the weapons seem unnecessary. Mockery and reverence twist together in every sentence.
Lakshmana bows to the sacred thread while stripping the axe of its power to frighten him.
Read the passage from the Manas
बिहसि लखनु बोले मृदु बानी। अहो मुनीसु महा भटमानी।। पुनि पुनि मोहि देखाव कुठारू। चहत उड़ावन फूँकि पहारू।। इहाँ कुम्हड़बतिया कोउ नाहीं। जे तरजनी देखि मरि जाहीं।। देखि कुठारु सरासन बाना। मैं कछु कहा सहित अभिमाना।। भृगुसुत समुझि जनेउ बिलोकी। जो कछु कहहु सहउँ रिस रोकी।। सुर महिसुर हरिजन अरु गाई। हमरें कुल इन्ह पर न सुराई।। बधें पापु अपकीरति हारें। मारतहूँ पा परिअ तुम्हारें।। कोटि कुलिस सम बचनु तुम्हारा। ब्यर्थ धरहु धनु बान कुठारा।।
Lakshmana smiled and spoke in soft words: 'O great lord among sages, what a mighty warrior you are!' Again and again you show me your axe. Do you wish to blow away a mountain with a puff of breath? There are no tender pumpkin vines here that would wither and die at the mere sight of a pointed finger. Seeing your axe, your bow, and your arrows, I did speak a few words with some pride. But recognizing you as a son of Bhrigu and seeing your sacred thread, I endure whatever you say, holding back my anger. Gods, Brahmins, devotees of Hari, and cows: our family never shows its strength against these. To slay you would bring sin; to be defeated would bring disgrace. Even in striking you, I would bow at your feet. Your words alone hit harder than ten million thunderbolts. You carry your bow, arrows, and axe for nothing.