Shloka 35
द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark
Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12
दत्ताभयवधो नाम पातकं महदुच्यते।अहं च लक्ष्मणश्चैव सीता च वरवर्णिनी4.12.35।।त्वदधीना वयं सर्वे वनेऽस्मिन् शरणं भवान्।
dattābhaya-vadho nāma pātakaṁ mahad ucyate |
ahaṁ ca lakṣmaṇaś caiva sītā ca vara-varṇinī || 4.12.35 ||
tvad-adhīnā vayaṁ sarve vane ’smin śaraṇaṁ bhavān |
Einen zu töten, dem Schutz gewährt wurde, gilt als große Sünde. Ich, Lakṣmaṇa und Sītā von lieblicher Gestalt – wir alle hier in diesem Wald hängen von dir ab; du bist unsere Zuflucht.
'It is said that killing a person to whom protection is promised is highly sinful. Lakshmana, darling Sita and me, are under your care and you are our refuge.
FAQs
A central dharmic rule is stated: harming one who has been given protection (abhaya) is a grave moral fault; protection creates binding responsibility.
Rāma frames his restraint through dharma, reminding Sugrīva of mutual obligations and dependence in their alliance.
Rāma’s fidelity to dharma and truthfulness about moral limits even in conflict.