Shloka 3.20.21

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

Devanagari script

तान् दृष्ट्वा पतितान्भूमौ राक्षसी क्रोधमूर्छिता।।।।परित्रस्ता पुनस्तत्र व्यसृजद्भैरवस्वनान्।

Transliteration

muhūrtaṃ bhava saumitre sītāyāḥ pratyanantaraḥ |

imān asyā vadhiṣyāmi padavīm āgatān iha ||

Translation

“O Saumitra, stay close by Sītā for a moment; I shall slay these who have come here upon her trail.”

Context

Seeing the demons fallen on the ground, the demoness wild with anger and fear roared.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitra)
• Sītā
• rākṣasāḥ (implied: 'these')

FAQs

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

Protecting the vulnerable is primary dharma: Rāma assigns Lakṣmaṇa the immediate duty of guarding Sītā, while he confronts the threat—an ordered, non-chaotic response to violence.

What is the narrative situation?

Facing an imminent attack, Rāma divides responsibilities: Lakṣmaṇa must stay with Sītā; Rāma will engage the assailants.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s strategic responsibility and restraint; Lakṣmaṇa’s obedience and protective vigilance.