Shloka 3.20.19
विंशः सर्गः (Sarga 20): शूर्पणखाप्रेरितराक्षसवधः — The Slaying of the Fourteen Demons Sent by Śūrpaṇakhā
रुक्मपुङ्खाश्च विशिखा दीप्ता हेमविभूषिताः।ते भित्त्वा रक्षसां वेगाद्वक्षांसि रुधिराप्लुताः।।।विनिष्पेतुस्तदा भूमौ न्यमज्जन्ताशनिस्वनाः।
rukmapuṅkhāś ca viśikhā dīptā hemavibhūṣitāḥ | te bhittvā rakṣasāṃ vegād vakṣāṃsi rudhirāplutāḥ ||
viniṣpetus tadā bhūmau nyamajjantāśanisvanāḥ |
Those blazing arrows, with golden fletching and adorned with gold, sped forth; with force they pierced the rākṣasas’ chests, blood-soaked, burst through, and then sank into the earth with a thunder-like sound.
Gold-feathered blazing arrows decorated with gold, released by Rama flew fast and pierced the chests of the demons. Drenched in blood they (the arrows) thundered (out of their chests) and plunged into the earth.
Adharma culminates in tangible consequences: violent aggressors meet the results of their actions, while dharmic protection is portrayed as swift and effective.
Rama’s arrows strike decisively—piercing the demons’ chests, exiting with force, and embedding in the ground with thunderous impact.
Rama’s decisive protective power: when restraint fails and attack is launched, he ends the threat with precision and effectiveness.