Shloka 3.23.9
महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)
क्षतजार्द्रसवर्णाभा सन्ध्याकालं विना बभौ।खरस्याभिमुखा नेदुस्तदा घोरमृगाः खगाः।।।।कङ्कगोमायुगृध्राश्च चुक्रुशुर्भयशंसिनः।
āśramaṃ prati yāte tu khare khara-parākrame | tān evautpātikān rāmaḥ saha bhrātrā dadarśa ha ||
When Khara—fierce in his wicked might—marched toward the hermitage, Rāma too, together with his brother, saw those very portents that bode calamity.
Even before Sunset the twilight looked like a fresh wound. Then wild animals, birds, kankas, jackals and vultures facing towards Khara screeched, indicating danger.
Dharma involves truthful perception and readiness to protect the innocent. Rāma recognizes danger and prepares to uphold righteous order.
Khara advances toward the hermitage; Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa perceive the same ominous signs, indicating an imminent clash.
Protective responsibility—Rāma’s readiness to defend the āśrama and its dharmic life.