Shloka 3.25.17
खरसेनासङ्ग्रामः — The Battle with Khara’s Host at the Hermitage
दुरावारान्दुर्विषहान्कालदण्डोपमान् रणे।मुमोच लीलया रामः कङ्कपत्रानजिह्मगान्।।।।
durāvārān durviṣahān kāladaṇḍopamān raṇe |
mumoca līlayā rāmaḥ kaṅkapatrān ajihmagān ||
In the battle, Rama—almost as if at play—released arrows fletched with heron-feathers: irresistible, unbearable, like the rod of Death itself, and flying straight to their mark.
As if sporting, Rama discharged the arrows attached with herons' feathers. The arrows were inescapable, unbearable like that of Yama's staff, that went straight without missing the target.
Dharma includes proportionate and effective action against violent wrongdoing; the imagery of Death’s rod signals the inevitability of consequences for adharma.
Rama demonstrates effortless superiority in combat, sending arrows that cannot be resisted or diverted.
Skill (kauśala) joined to composure—Rama’s mastery is so complete it appears effortless.