Shloka 3.20.18

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

Devanagari script

गृहीत्वा धनुरायम्य लक्ष्यानुद्दिश्य राक्षसान्।मुमोच राघवो बाणान्वज्रानिव शतक्रतुः।।।।

Transliteration

gṛhītvā dhanur āyamya lakṣyān uddiśya rākṣasān | mumoca rāghavo bāṇān vajrān iva śatakratuḥ ||

Translation

Taking up his bow and drawing it taut, Rāghava fixed the rākṣasas as his targets and released his arrows like Śatakratu (Indra) hurling thunderbolts.

Context

Rama took the bow, stretched it and aimed at his target, the demons and sent the arrows as Indra would release the thunderbolt.

Characters & Entities

• Rama (Rāghava)
• rākṣasas
• Indra (Śatakratu)
• bow
• vajra (thunderbolt)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through competent protection: Rama’s action is portrayed as divinely effective, suggesting that righteous defense should be decisive and skillful.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama draws his bow, takes the demons as his targets, and releases arrows with overwhelming force.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Martial excellence joined to purpose—Rama’s focused aim and controlled release reflect disciplined valor.