Ayodhya Kaanda
70 - Dialogue between Sri Rama and Laksmana
Chaupais
Description
Bearing this in mind, brother, listen to my advice and wait upon the feet of our father and mothers. Bharata and Ripusudana (Satrughna) are not at home, while the king is aged and full of grief for my sake. If I proceed to the woods taking you with me, Ayodhya will be rendered completely masterless and the preceptor and parents, the people as well as the family, all will be subjected to a spell of terrible suffering. Stay, then, to comfort all; otherwise, brother, we shall incur great sin. A king whose reign brings suffering to his beloved people surely deserves an abode in hell. Bearing in mind this maxim, dear brother, stay at home." Hearing this, Laksmana felt much distressed. He turned pale at these soothing words in the same way as a lotus is blasted when touched by frost.