Shloka 3.20.12

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

Devanagari script

क्रोधमुत्पाद्य नो भर्तुः खरस्य सुमहात्मनः।त्वमेव हास्यसे प्राणानद्यास्माभिर्हतो युधि।।।।

Transliteration

krodham utpādya no bhartuḥ kharasya sumahātmanaḥ | tvam eva hāsyase prāṇān adyāsmābhir hato yudhi ||

Translation

You have provoked the wrath of our lord Khara, that great one; today, slain by us in battle, you will forfeit your life.

Context

You have incited the wrath of Khara, our great master for which you will now pay with your life in the fight.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Khara

FAQs

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

The demons justify violence through loyalty to an unrighteous leader, showing how allegiance without dharmic discernment becomes adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasas respond to Rama’s warning by threatening to kill him, invoking Khara’s authority and anger.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negatively highlighted is the demons’ arrogance and misplaced devotion; by contrast, Rama’s steadfastness against intimidation is implied.