Shloka 3.20.16

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

Devanagari script

तानि शूलानि काकुत्स्थस्समस्तानि चतुर्दश।तावद्भिरेव चिच्छेद शरैः काञ्चनभूषणैः।।।।

Transliteration

tāni śūlāni kākutsthaḥ samastāni caturdaśa | tāvadbhir eva ciccheda śaraiḥ kāñcanabhūṣaṇaiḥ ||

Translation

Kākuṭstha cut all those fourteen spears to pieces with just as many arrows, adorned with gold.

Context

All the fourteen spears hurled turned into splinters by the same number of golden arrows released by Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rama (Kākuṭstha)
• śūla (spears)
• śara (arrows)

FAQs

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

Dharma in action appears as proportionate defense: Rama neutralizes the incoming threat precisely, without uncontrolled excess.

What is the narrative situation?

The demons’ spears are met mid-attack; Rama counters by severing each spear with a corresponding arrow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mastery and restraint—Rama’s precision reflects disciplined power under moral control.