Rama, steadfast in his resolve, spoke with gentle clarity, “Lakshmana, what need have I for all this royal ceremony? The water I draw with my own hands will be enough for the bath my vow requires. Do not let this sudden turn of fate trouble you. Whether it is the kingdom or the forest, life in the forest is full of merit. And Lakshmana, do not suspect yourself or our younger mother for obstructing my coronation. Neither you nor even my father are to blame—fate alone has intervened. You know well how powerful destiny is.” Now, listen to the next chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. As Rama finished, Lakshmana, his head bowed low, entered the room swiftly, his mind gripped by both sorrow and anger. His brow furrowed, and he breathed heavily, like a great serpent enraged in its lair. His face, fierce with a deep frown, was as difficult to look upon as an angry lion’s. He shook his clenched fist as an elephant might shake its trunk, his head tilting to the side and then upward, letting his neck fall in frustration. Glancing at his brother from the corner of his eyes, Lakshmana spoke, his voice intense: “This great agitation of yours, Rama, has arisen in vain. “Out of concern for righteousness and excessive regard for public opinion, how could someone so steadfast as you speak in this way? How is it that you, a valiant Kshatriya, speak so feebly of fate, as though it were powerless and pitiable? How do you not see any wrongdoing in those two? There are people who use righteousness as a pretense—O righteous one, do you not perceive this? “If their intentions were truly pure, not driven by selfishness or deceit, then the boon would have been granted long ago, and it would have been a just one. O hero, I cannot bear to see another’s consecration begin in a manner hated by the people—please forgive me for this. Even that righteousness, O wise one, which has led your mind into doubt, is hateful to me, for it bewilders you. “How can you, by your own action, obey your father’s unrighteous and blameworthy command, acting under Kaikeyi’s influence? Though this division has been caused by wickedness, you do not recognize it; that pains me, and your attachment to righteousness is, in this case, blameworthy. The world condemns this adherence to righteousness of yours; how could you, even in thought, serve those two who always act for their own gain, though called father and mother? “Even if your resolve and their will are determined by fate, you ought to disregard it; yet, even that does not please me. It is the weak and those lacking valor who follow fate; but heroes, who are self-respecting, do not submit to destiny. He who is able to overcome fate through human effort does not despair, even when misfortune comes by destiny. “Today, people will see the true power of fate and human effort; today, the distinction between destiny and action will become clear. Today, those who saw your consecration thwarted by destiny will see fate overcome by my effort. Like a mighty elephant gone mad, unrestrained even by the goad, I will chase down fate and turn it back with my own strength. “Not even all the guardians of the worlds, nor all three worlds together, could prevent your consecration today, Rama—much less your father. Those who arranged your exile to the forest, O king, will themselves dwell in the forest for fourteen years. “Fate’s power cannot match the strength of one intoxicated with might; my fierce effort will prevail, bringing suffering to the enemy. After a thousand years and the rule of noble sons is complete, only then should you go to the forest—never now. For, as the ancient royal sages prescribed, forest dwelling is for those who have entrusted the people to sons who care for them as their own children. “But if, out of concern for the confusion among the many princes, you, righteous Rama, do not wish the kingship for yourself, I vow to you, O hero, that I will not seek the world of heroes; I will protect your kingdom as the shore protects the ocean. “Perform your consecration with all auspicious rites and devote yourself to the kingdom; I alone will forcibly restrain the fire of the other kings. These two arms are not for ornament, nor is the bow for decoration; my headband is not for adornment, nor are my arrows for mere display. All these—arms, bow, headband, and arrows—are for crushing the enemy; nor do I desire anything excessive from one considered my foe. “With a sword of sharp edge, shining like a flash of lightning, I do not consider any enemy, even one armed with the thunderbolt, as equal to me. Crushed by the blows of my sword, the earth will be covered with the heads, arms, hands, and thighs of elephants, horses, charioteers, and warriors, making it impassable. Struck by the edge of my sword, my enemies will fall blazing to the ground like thunderclouds with lightning. “With my fingers protected by leather guards and my bow and arrows in hand, how could any man consider himself a man while I stand among men? With my arrows, I will strike down many who are united in purpose, and even if alone, I will lay low multitudes, targeting the vital points of men, horses, and elephants. “Today, the power of my weapons will truly be displayed; I will render the king powerless and establish your authority, my lord.” Thus did Lakshmana, his heart burning with loyalty and righteous anger, pour out his devotion to Rama, determined to stand against destiny itself for the sake of his brother.