Shloka 3.20.8

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

Devanagari script

फलमूलाशनौ दान्तौ तापसौ धर्मचारिणौ।वसन्तौ दण्डकारण्ये किमर्थमुपहिंसथ।।।।

Transliteration

phalamūlāśanau dāntau tāpasau dharmacāriṇau | vasantau daṇḍakāraṇye kim artham upahiṃsatha ||

Translation

Living in the Dandaka forest as ascetics—self-restrained, following dharma, sustaining ourselves on fruits and roots—why do you harass us?

Context

Feeding on fruits and roots and following the righteous path, we are living in Dandaka forest like ascetics. Why are you torturing us?

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Dandaka forest (Daṇḍakāraṇya)
• ascetic life (tapas)

FAQs

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

Respect for non-violent, dharma-centered living: those who practice restraint and harmlessness should not be subjected to हिंसा (harm).

What is the narrative situation?

Rama questions the demons’ motive for attacking or troubling them while they live simply as forest-dwellers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint (dama) and dharma-conduct (dharmacarya), combined with moral clarity in confronting wrongdoing.