Shloka 3.20.23

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

Devanagari script

पपात पुनरेवार्ता सनिर्यासेव सल्लकी ।। ।।

Transliteration

te bhinnahṛdayā bhūmau chinnamūlā iva drumāḥ |

nipetuḥ śoṇitārdrāṅgā vikṛtā vigatāsavaḥ ||

Translation

With hearts torn open, their bodies drenched in blood—disfigured and bereft of life—they fell upon the ground like trees cut at the root.

Context

Missing

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasāḥ (demons)
• bhūmi (ground)

FAQs

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

The verse depicts the consequence of adharmic aggression: violent wrongdoing meets decisive restraint by rightful force, restoring safety for the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

After combat, the rākṣasas lie slain on the battlefield, compared to uprooted trees.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implied is Rāma’s protective valor—force used as dharmic defense rather than cruelty.