Shloka 3.26.20
दूषणवधः (The Slaying of Dūṣaṇa and the Rout of Khara’s Host)
महाकपालस्य शिरश्चिच्छेद परमेषुभिः।।।।असङ्ख्येयैस्तु बाणौघैः प्रममाथ प्रमाथिनम्।स पपात हतो भूमौ विटपीव महाद्रुमः।।।।
mahākapālasya śiraś ciccheda parameṣubhiḥ |
asaṅkhyeyais tu bāṇaughaiḥ pramamātha pramāthinam |
sa papāta hato bhūmau viṭapīva mahādrumaḥ ||
With supreme arrows he severed Mahākapāla’s head; and with an innumerable flood of shafts he crushed Pramāthī. Slain, he fell upon the earth like a great tree with spreading branches.
Mahakapala's head was cut to pieces with sharp arrows and Pramathi was killed with a countless series of arrows. Pramathi's body, like a huge tree with many branches collapsed on the ground.
Protection through decisive action: when threats persist, dharma may require firm, conclusive measures to restore safety and moral order.
Rāma neutralizes two of the three commanders: Mahākapāla is beheaded, and Pramāthī is overwhelmed by a massive volley and falls dead.
Strategic potency and steadiness—Rāma applies appropriate force efficiently to end ongoing aggression.