Shloka 32

रावण–रामयुद्धप्रारम्भः

The Intensification of the Rama–Ravana Duel

Devanagari script

उभौहिपरमेष्वासावुभौयुद्धविशारदौ ।उभावस्त्रविदां मुख्यावुभौ युद्धेविचेरतुः ।।6.100.32।।

Transliteration

ubhau hi parameṣvāsāv ubhau yuddha-viśāradau | ubhāv astravidāṃ mukhyāv ubhau yuddhe viceratuḥ ||6.100.32||

Translation

Denn beide waren höchste Bogenschützen; beide kriegskundig; beide die Ersten unter den Kennern von Waffen und Geschossen—und im Kampf bewegten sie sich ohne Wanken.

Word by Word

उभौboth

हिindeed

परमेष्वासौexcellent archers

उभौboth

युद्धविशारदौskilled in war

उभौboth

अस्त्रविदाम्of the experts in weapons

मुख्यौforemost

उभौboth

युद्धेin battle

विचेरतुःthey moved about

Context

Both Rama and Ravana were armed with excellent bows, both highly skilled in war, both adept in the use of missiles, both were foremost in fighting and were unmoved.

Characters & Entities

Rāma

Rāvaṇa

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma is suggested through competence and restraint in rightful combat: skill is not mere violence but disciplined mastery aligned with a warrior’s duty.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator underscores that the duel is between two exceptionally matched masters of archery and warfare.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śaurya with training—valor supported by expertise (yuddha-viśārada), highlighting that righteous action requires capability, not only intent.