Shloka 4
विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः
The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā
मुहूर्तं भव सौमित्रे सीतायाः प्रत्यनन्तरः।इमानस्या वधिष्यामि पदवीमागतानिह।।।।
muhūrtaṃ bhava saumitre sītāyāḥ pratyanantaraḥ |
imān asyā vadhiṣyāmi padavīm āgatān iha ||
“হে সৌমিত্র! এক মুহূর্ত সীতার একেবারে নিকটে থাকো; যে-সব জননী সীতার পদচিহ্নের পথে এখানে এসেছে, তাদের আমি বধ করব।”
Seeing the demons fallen on the ground, the demoness wild with anger and fear roared.
FAQs
Protecting the vulnerable is primary dharma: Rāma assigns Lakṣmaṇa the immediate duty of guarding Sītā, while he confronts the threat—an ordered, non-chaotic response to violence.
Facing an imminent attack, Rāma divides responsibilities: Lakṣmaṇa must stay with Sītā; Rāma will engage the assailants.
Rāma’s strategic responsibility and restraint; Lakṣmaṇa’s obedience and protective vigilance.