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Continued from yesterday’s instalment
 Lakshmana stood like the very Rudramurthy, says the Poet.
‘mutraa madhiyam milaindhaan munindhaan annaan.’ Like the Lord with the crescent moon in anger. ‘Lakshmana, one thing is for sure. The kingdom belongs to Kaikeyi now, who owns it by virtue of the words of our good father. When my mother - Kaikeyi - and my father have decided that Bharata would inherit the crown and have ordered me to go on exile, there is nothing better for me.
‘yaan padaikindra selvam viradham idhin nalladhu vEru ini yaavadhu?’ What else could be considered to be a better treasure or penance that I would earn or achieve? It is my duty to adhere to the words of my parents.
Rama sets the trap here. He knows that Lakshmana would not listen to him even now and would persist in doing what he had already decided. ‘Of what avail is this kingship Lakshmana! How and when would your anger find its end?
‘thambiyaip pOr tholaiththO?’ Would it end by defeating my younger brother (Bharata) in war?
‘thaadhayai vaagai koNdO?’ Or would it be appeased by quelling our father in a battle?
‘eendraaLai vendrO?’ Or would it be quenched by overpowering our mother?
‘sellum sol vallaan edhir thambiyum sollum.’ Lakshmana countered the well-chosen arguments of Rama. ‘So very good for me, my lord!
‘thevvar sollum sollum sumandhEn.’ I stand here, bearing the mockery of our enemies (that I am incapable of achieving this)
‘iru thOL enach chOmbi Ongum kallum sumandhEn.’ I stand here burdened by two shoulders, nay, worthless stones (incapable of action).
‘kaNaip puttilum kattu amaindha villum sumakkap pirandhEn.’ And I was born to bear this quiver and this banded bow! Of what use these are! Mere ornamentation! There is no purpose in my bearing them, when I am not able to use them even at such a time!
‘Now you stop me. If you continue to do so whenever I rise up in anger, why should I be endowed with these muscular shoulders! They may very well be considered to have been made of stone! Why should I bear this bow and arrows, if I can’t use them when in absolute need? Of what avail is my bravery, if you stop me? I am now the target of mockery of our enemies!’ Lakshmana protests in utter dejection.
 And now the trap is put to work very beautifully. ‘Listen Lakshmana.
‘enai naaLum vaLarththa thaadhai than sol kadandhu eRkku arasu aaLvadhu thakkadhu andraal.’ I would not consider it proper for me to go against the words of my father who brought me up.
‘en sol kadandhaal unakku yaadhu uLadhu eenam?’ (When such being so,) would you be slighted by listening to me?
You call me your father, your mother and your master. And for me, there is nothing greater than the words of my parents. I won’t think of violating their words. When I listen to my parents and obey them, why don’t you obey me if you really consider me your father or mother as you proclaim!
Now, now that was something Lakshmana didn’t quite expect at all! See what happens to him now!
More follows...
Published on 2-03-02
Hari Krishnan
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