Shloka 3.20.17

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

Devanagari script

ततः पश्चान्महातेजा नाराचान्सूर्यसन्निभान्।जग्राह परमक्रुद्धश्चतुर्दश शिलाशितान्।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ paścān mahātejā nārācān sūryasannibhān | jagrāha paramakruddhaś caturdaśa śilāśitān ||

Translation

After that, the radiant one—now fiercely angered—took fourteen nārāca arrows, stone-sharpened and blazing like the sun.

Context

Then the effulgent Rama, mighty angry, took fourteen arrows sharpened by stones and glowing like the Sun.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• nārāca arrows

FAQs

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

The verse shows 'righteous anger' directed toward stopping harm; dharma permits strong action when it is aimed at protecting order and ending violent wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Following the interception of spears, Rama prepares a stronger counterattack by selecting fourteen powerful arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Determination and readiness: Rama’s controlled escalation matches the threat, indicating purposeful—not impulsive—force.