Shloka 3.25.24

खरसेनासङ्ग्रामः — The Battle with Khara’s Host at the Hermitage

Devanagari script

ततो नालीकनाराचैस्तीक्ष्णाग्रैश्च विकर्णिभिः।भीममार्तस्वरं चक्रुर्भिद्यमाना निशाचराः।।।।

Transliteration

tato nālīkanārācais tīkṣṇāgraiś ca vikarṇibhiḥ | bhīmam ārtasvaraṃ cakrur bhidyamānā niśācarāḥ ||

Translation

Then, torn apart by razor-pointed iron arrows and by vikarṇi shafts, the night-roving rākṣasas raised terrible, anguished cries.

Context

The bodies of the demons torn into pieces by the very sharp iron arrows and by the arrows called vikarni, they cried and shouted aloud in pitiable voices.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• niśācarāḥ (rākṣasas/demons)
• nālīkanārāca (iron arrows)
• vikarṇi (arrow/shaft type)

FAQs

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

It underscores kṣatra-dharma in action: when aggressors attack, righteous defense may require force, and the suffering described is framed as the consequence of adharma-driven violence.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma’s arrows strike the rākṣasa fighters effectively, and the battlefield fills with their cries as they are wounded and broken.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s martial resolve and precision—firm, controlled action in defense against unlawful aggression.