Shloka 3.20.6

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

Devanagari script

राघवोऽपि महच्चापं चामीकरविभूषितम्।चकार सज्यं धर्मात्मा तानि रक्षांसि चाब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

rāghavo 'pi mahaccāpaṃ cāmīkaravibhūṣitam | cakāra sajyaṃ dharmātmā tāni rakṣāṃsi cābravīt ||

Translation

Rama too—righteous in spirit—strung his great bow, adorned with gold, and addressed those demons.

Context

Righteous Rama too, lifted up his great bow decked with gold and fastened the string and then said to the demons:

Characters & Entities

• Rama (Raghava)
• bow (cāpa)
• rakshasas

FAQs

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

Dharma here is disciplined readiness to protect the innocent: Rama prepares his weapon not for aggression, but for righteous defense against adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

In the Dandaka region, Rama prepares to confront hostile rakshasas and begins addressing them after stringing his bow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast courage guided by righteousness (dharmātmā)—strength placed under moral restraint.