Shloka 3.10.11

दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)

Devanagari script

राक्षसैर्दण्डकारण्ये बहुभिः कामरूपिभिः।अर्दितास्स्म दृढं राम भवान्नस्तत्र रक्षतु।।।।

Transliteration

rākṣasair daṇḍakāraṇye bahubhiḥ kāmarūpibhiḥ | arditāḥ sma dṛḍhaṃ rāma bhavān nas tatra rakṣatu ||

Translation

“O Rāma, in the Daṇḍaka forest we are grievously tormented by many rākṣasas who can assume forms at will. Protect us from them.”

Context

'O Rama, the demons who can assume any form at their will are mercilessly tormenting us in Dandaka forest. Do protect us from them'.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daṇḍakāraṇya (Dandaka forest)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

The verse invokes kṣatriya-dharma: the ruler/warrior must protect those devoted to spiritual practice who are harmed by violence and deceit.

What is the narrative situation?

The forest sages present their complaint: rākṣasas in Daṇḍaka harass them, and they appeal to Rāma for protection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The sages’ truthfulness and dependence on righteous governance, and implicitly Rāma’s role as protector of dharma.