ताटकावधः
The Slaying of Tāṭakā
तामापतन्तीं वेगेन विक्रान्तामशनीमिव।।1.26.25।।शरेणोरसि विव्याथ सा पपात ममार च।
tām āpatantīṃ vegena vikrāntām aśanīm iva | śareṇorasi vivyātha sā papāta mamāra ca ||
বেগে ধেয়ে আসা, বজ্রসম প্রবল সেই রাক্ষসীকে তিনি এক তীরে বক্ষে বিদ্ধ করলেন; সে লুটিয়ে পড়ে প্রাণ ত্যাগ করল।
Her chest pierced with an arrow, she rushing menacingly towards them like a thunderbolt fell down dead.
Dharma is decisive protection: when a violent aggressor threatens life and sacred order, a kṣatriya may use lethal force to end the danger.
The demoness makes a final headlong charge; Rāma ends the threat with a single chest-piercing arrow.
Swift, resolute action—courage joined to clarity about duty.