Shloka 3.19.9

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

Devanagari script

निहतस्य मया सङ्ख्ये शरसंकृत्तमर्मणः।सफेनं रुधिरं रक्तं मेदिनी कस्य पास्यति।।।।

Transliteration

nihatasya mayā saṅkhye śarasaṅkṛtta-marmaṇaḥ | saphenaṃ rudhiraṃ raktaṃ medinī kasya pāsyati ||

Translation

When I strike him down in battle, his vital points cut by arrows, whose foaming red blood will the earth drink?

Context

Whose foamy, red blood will the earth drink while I strike his vital organs with my arrows in the fight ?

Characters & Entities

• medinī (earth)
• śara (arrows)
• marma (vital points)

FAQs

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

It underscores the grim seriousness of righteous combat: violence is not celebrated, but presented as the necessary consequence when adharma forces a battle.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma anticipates the enemy’s death in combat, describing the battlefield outcome with stark imagery.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unflinching resolve to finish a just fight—firmness that prevents prolonged harm.