Shloka 3.20.9

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

Devanagari script

युष्मान्पापात्मकान्हन्तुं विप्रकारान्महाहवे।ऋषीणां तु नियोगेन प्राप्तोऽहं सशरायुधः।।।।

Transliteration

yuṣmān pāpātmakān hantuṃ viprakārān mahāhave | ṛṣīṇāṃ tu niyogena prāpto 'haṃ saśarāyudhaḥ ||

Translation

By the command of the sages, I have come armed with bow, arrows, and weapons, to slay in great battle sinners like you who violate and injure them.

Context

I came here equipped with bows, arrows and weapons, asked by ascetics to kill in the battle sinners like you who are offending them.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• rishis (Ṛṣis)
• rakshasas
• weapons (śara/āyudha)

FAQs

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

Legitimate force in service of dharma: Rama frames violence as duty-bound protection of sages against persistent offenders.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama declares his mandate—received from the rishis—to punish the demons who persecute them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility and justice: power is exercised as a commissioned duty, not personal anger.