Lakshmana's Vigil and Guha's Devotion

Lakshmana's unwavering vigil and Guha's loyalty to Rama during exile. Witness their devotion and Lakshmana's fears for Ayodhya's future in this poignant Ramayana excerpt. 

Guha's Observation of Lakshmana (Shlokas 2.51.1 - 2.51.3)

Guha, deeply moved by Lakshmana's unwavering vigil, spoke to Rama. He observed Lakshmana keeping watch throughout the night, dedicated to his brother's well-being. Guha said to Lakshmana:

"Dear prince, we've prepared a comfortable bed for you. Please rest well on it. We're accustomed to hardships, while you're used to comfort. We'll keep watch through the night to protect Rama, descendant of Kakutstha (an ancestor of Rama)."

Guha's Devotion to Rama (Shlokas 2.51.4 - 2.51.7)

Guha expressed his deep loyalty to Rama:

"No one on earth is dearer to me than Rama. I speak this truth and swear by it. Through Rama's grace, I hope to gain:

• Great fame in this world

• Fulfillment of dharma (righteousness)

• Abundant artha (wealth and material prosperity)

I, along with my kinsmen, will protect my dear friend Rama and Sita from all sides, bow in hand. I know every part of this forest from my constant wanderings. We can even withstand a large army with four divisions here."

Lakshmana's Response to Guha (Shlokas 2.51.8 - 2.51.12)

Lakshmana replied to Guha:

"O sinless one, with your righteous protection, we have nothing to fear. But how can I sleep or find comfort when Rama, son of Dasharatha, lies on the ground with Sita?

Look at Rama, whom even gods and demons can't face in battle, now sleeping on grass with Sita. He is Dasharatha's beloved son, born after much prayer and austerity.

With Rama banished, the king won't live long. Surely, the kingdom will soon be like a widow."

Lakshmana's Concerns for Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.51.13 - 2.51.20)

Lakshmana continued, expressing his worries:

"The women in the palace must have fallen silent from exhaustion after their loud lamentations. I doubt whether the king, Kausalya (Rama's mother), and my mother will survive this night.

My mother might live, looking forward to Satrughna's return, but alas, Kausalya may perish without her valiant son.

The city of Ayodhya, full of loyal people and bringing joy to its inhabitants, will perish due to the king's sorrow. How can the noble king survive without seeing his beloved eldest son?

After the king's death, Kausalya will follow, and then my mother."

Lakshmana's Vision of Ayodhya's Future (Shlokas 2.51.21 - 2.51.25)

Lakshmana described the city they left behind:

"Those who remain will perform the king's funeral rites. They'll roam the capital city with its:

• Lovely squares and broad highways

• Mansions and palaces

• Chariots, elephants, and horses

• Echoing trumpets

• Graceful courtesans

• Bustling, contented people

• Ongoing festivals and fairs

Will the king still be alive when we return from exile? Will we enter Ayodhya again with Rama, who always keeps his promises, after our forest exile ends?"

The Night Passes (Shlokas 2.51.26 - 2.51.27)

As the noble prince Lakshmana stood wailing, tormented by grief, the night passed. Guha, moved by great friendship and Lakshmana's truthful account of Rama's plight, was overcome with sorrow. He shed tears like an elephant stricken with fever, deeply affected by the prince's words.

This concludes the fifty first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.