Shloka 3.20.20

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

Devanagari script

ते भिन्नहृदया भूमौ छिन्नमूला इव द्रुमाः।।।।निपेतुश्शोणितार्द्राङ्गा विकृता विगतासवः।

Transliteration

tān dṛṣṭvā rāghavaḥ śrīmān āgatāṃs tāṃ ca rākṣasīm |

abravīd bhrātaraṃ rāmo lakṣmaṇaṃ dīptatejasam ||

Translation

Seeing those rākṣasas arrive—along with that demoness—Rāma, the illustrious scion of Raghu, spoke to his brother Lakṣmaṇa, radiant in energy.

Context

With their hearts split, their bodies drenched in blood, disfigured and lifeless, the demons fell down on earth like trees cut at the roots.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasāḥ (demons)
• Śūrpaṇakhā (implied by 'rākṣasī' in this narrative unit)
• Raghu dynasty (Rāghava)

FAQs

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

Leadership in dharma begins with clear perception and timely counsel: Rāma assesses danger and immediately coordinates with Lakṣmaṇa, upholding responsible protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma notices the hostile arrival of rākṣasas (and the demoness connected to them) and turns to instruct Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s alert judgment and command; Lakṣmaṇa’s readiness and martial brilliance.