Shloka 3.24.23
उत्पातदर्शनं खरसैन्यसमागमश्च (Omens of calamity and the approach of Khara’s army)
एवमुक्त्वा पुनः प्रोचुरालोक्य च परस्परम्।।3.24.22।।चतुर्दश सहस्राणि रक्षसां भीमकर्मणाम्।एकश्च रामो धर्मात्मा कथं युद्धं भविष्यति।।3.24.23।।
evam uktvā punaḥ procur ālokya ca parasparam |
caturdaśa sahasrāṇi rakṣasāṃ bhīmakarmaṇām |
ekaś ca rāmo dharmātmā kathaṃ yuddhaṃ bhaviṣyati ||
Having spoken thus, they again looked at one another and said: “Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of dreadful deeds—and Rāma, righteous and alone. How can this battle unfold?”
Thus looking at one another they discussed among themselves how there can be war between the righteous Rama fighting singlehanded on the one hand and the fourteen thousand demons, performers of terrific deeds, on the other.
Dharma is shown as steadfastness even when outnumbered; righteousness is not measured by numerical strength but by moral legitimacy.
Spectators anticipate the clash: Rāma stands alone against a vast rākṣasa host, prompting astonishment and anxious curiosity.
Rāma’s dharma-niṣṭhā (commitment to righteousness) and courage—preparedness to face overwhelming odds.