Shloka 3.24.9

उत्पातदर्शनं खरसैन्यसमागमश्च (Omens of calamity and the approach of Khara’s army)

Devanagari script

उद्यतानां हि युद्धार्थं येषां भवति लक्ष्मण।निष्प्रभं वदनं तेषां भवत्यायुः परिक्षयः।।।।

Transliteration

udyatānāṃ hi yuddhārthaṃ yeṣāṃ bhavati lakṣmaṇa |

niṣprabhaṃ vadanaṃ teṣāṃ bhavaty āyuḥ parikṣayaḥ ||

Translation

O Lakshmana, when men set themselves for battle, those whose faces grow lusterless are marked for the waning of life—death draws near to them.

Context

O Lakshmana, while preparing for war, those whose faces look pale are, for sure, going to die.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Dharma includes sober recognition of consequences: war entails mortality, and a righteous warrior must face truth without delusion.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama continues reading auspicious/inauspicious signs as battle approaches, contrasting Lakshmana’s radiance with ill-omens for opponents.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Clear-sightedness (viveka): Rama interprets signs to guide action and steady the mind before conflict.