Shloka 3.20.22

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

Devanagari script

उपगम्य खरं सा तु किञ्चित्संशुष्कशोणिता।।।।पपात पुनरेवार्ता सनिर्यासेव सल्लकी।

Transliteration

vākyam etat tataḥ śrutvā rāmasya viditātmanaḥ |

tatheti lakṣmaṇo vākyaṃ rāmasya pratyapūjayat ||

Translation

Having heard these words of self-knowing Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa assented—“So be it”—and honored Rāma’s command.

Context

Her blood slightly dried up, she came back afflicted to Khara and fell down like a sallaki tree, its sap oozing.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma here is disciplined obedience to rightful authority: Lakṣmaṇa accepts Rāma’s directive without ego, sustaining moral order in crisis.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to guard Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa respectfully agrees and prepares to carry out the duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s loyalty and humility; Rāma’s stature as a composed, inwardly grounded leader (viditātmā).