Shloka 3.23.21

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

राघवं तं बलोत्सिक्तं भ्रातरं चास्य लक्ष्मणम्।।।।अहत्वा सायकैस्तीक्ष्णैर्नोपावर्तितुमुत्सहे।

Transliteration

rāghavaṃ taṃ balōtsiktaṃ bhrātaraṃ cāsya lakṣmaṇam | ahatvā sāyakaistīkṣṇair nōpāvartitum utsahē ||

Translation

I will not turn back unless I strike down with sharp arrows that Rāghava, swollen with strength, and his brother Lakṣmaṇa as well.

Context

I do not wish to return, without killing with my sharp arrows that Rama who is proud of his strength and his brother Lakshmana.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns violence driven by ego and vengeance; refusing retreat until killing the righteous is a hallmark of adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara declares his intention to fight Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa and refuses to withdraw without killing them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness is distorted into obstinacy; the verse teaches that resolve without righteousness is not a virtue.