Lakshmana Swears by His Master's Feet
Bala Kanda, Doha 253
Doha 253 · Movement 2 of 2
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Lakshmana's vow rings through the bow hall. By Ram's glory and strength, he would snap Shiva's bow as easily as the tender stalk of a mushroom.
He stakes not merely reputation but the identity carried in his hands. If he fails, he swears by the feet of his Lord that he will never again take up bow or quiver.
The oath reveals the source of his fearlessness. Lakshmana does not claim an isolated power. His confidence flows entirely from Ram's majesty, and failure would mean that his warrior's hands no longer deserve their weapons. Every ruler who boasted earlier trusted himself. Lakshmana makes his boast an offering and seals it with surrender.
His oath is fierce, but its deepest foundation is devotion to Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
तोरौं छत्रक दंड जिमि तव प्रताप बल नाथ। जौं न करौं प्रभु पद सपथ कर न धरौं धनु भाथ।।253।।
"By your glory and strength, O Lord, I shall snap it as easily as the stalk of a mushroom. If I fail to do so, I swear by the feet of my Master: may I never again hold a bow in my hand."