Shloka 3.20.11

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

Devanagari script

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा राक्षसास्ते चतुर्दश।ऊचुर्वाचं सुसंक्रुद्धा ब्रह्मघ्नाश्शूलपाणयः।।।।

Transliteration

tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā rākṣasās te caturdaśa | ūcur vācaṃ susaṃkruddhā brahmaghnāḥ śūlapāṇayaḥ ||

Translation

Hearing his words, those fourteen rākṣasas—brahmin-slayers with spears in hand—became fiercely enraged and replied.

Context

At these words, the destroyers of brahmins, the fourteen demons were inflamed. They lifted their spears and spoke:

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• fourteen rākṣasas
• śūla (spear)

FAQs

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

The verse marks the rākṣasas as 'brahmaghnāḥ' (killers of brāhmaṇas), signaling grave adharma; it frames Rama’s opposition as protection of righteous order and the sanctity of the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rama’s warning, the fourteen demons react with anger, readying their spears and preparing to answer him aggressively.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast and implication: Rama stands for protection and restraint, while the demons embody uncontrolled anger and sacrilegious violence.