Shloka 3.20.10

विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः — The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā

Devanagari script

तिष्ठतैवात्र सन्तुष्टा नोपावर्तितुमर्हथ।यदि प्राणैरिहार्थो वा निवर्तध्वं निशाचराः।।।।

Transliteration

tiṣṭhataivātra santuṣṭā nōpāvartitum arhatha | yadi prāṇair ihārtho vā nivartadhvaṃ niśācarāḥ ||

Translation

Stay here, content, and do not think you deserve to turn back; but if you value your lives, then retreat, O night-roamers.

Context

If you care for your life, you may return, or else, if you please you may remain (die) here, O demons.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• niśācaraḥ (demons)

FAQs

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

Rama offers a clear warning and a chance to withdraw, reflecting restrained use of force and moral accountability before violence—an aspect of kṣatriya-dharma aligned with satya (plain, direct speech).

What is the narrative situation?

In the Daṇḍaka/Janasthāna region, Rama confronts a group of Khara’s demons and tells them to retreat if they wish to live, otherwise remain and face the consequences.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s controlled courage and moral clarity: he is fearless yet gives the opponent an explicit option to desist.