Shloka 3.19.8

खरस्य क्रोधः — शूर्पणखावृत्तान्तकथनम् (Khara’s Wrath and Śūrpaṇakhā’s Report)

Devanagari script

अद्याहं मार्गणैः प्राणानादास्ये जीवितान्तकैः।सलिले क्षीरमासक्तं निष्पिबन्निव सारसः।।।।

Transliteration

adyāhaṃ mārgaṇaiḥ prāṇān ādāsye jīvitāntakaiḥ | salile kṣīram āsaktaṃ niṣpibann iva sārasaḥ ||

Translation

This very day, with life-ending arrows, I will draw out his life-breath—just as the haṃsa is said to drink the milk even when it is mixed with water.

Context

Just as the swan drinks only milk from water (mixed with milk), my arrows will (unerringly) drain the life from the enemy's body right now.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (implicit as speaker)
• mārgaṇa (arrows)
• sārasa (swan/crane as simile)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is decisive protection: when faced with adharma, a righteous guardian acts swiftly and precisely to neutralize harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma announces immediate, unerring action—his arrows will directly reach the opponent’s life-force, expressed through a well-known simile of discernment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Precision joined with resolve—controlled strength rather than uncontrolled violence.