Shloka 3.26.28

दूषणवधः (The Slaying of Dūṣaṇa and the Rout of Khara’s Host)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा खरः क्रुद्धो राममेवाभिदुद्रुवे।श्येनगामी पृथुग्रीवो यज्ञशत्रुर्विहङ्गमः।।3.26.26।।दुर्जयः करवीराक्षः परुषः कालकार्मुकः।मेघमाली महामाली सर्पास्यो रुधिराशनः।।3.26.27।।द्वादशैते महावीर्या बलाध्यक्षास्ससैनिकाः।राममेवाभ्यधावन्त विसृजन्तश्शरोत्तमान्।।3.26.28।।

Transliteration

te rukma-puṅkhā viśikhāḥ sa-dhūmā iva pāvakāḥ |

nijaghnuḥ tāni rakṣāṃsi vajrā iva mahā-drumān ||

Translation

Those arrows with golden fletching—like fire wreathed in smoke—shattered those rākṣasas, as thunderbolts fell great trees.

Context

Having spoken thus, angry Khara ran towards Rama. Syenagami, Pruthugriva, Yajnasatru, Vihanga, Durjaya, Karaveeraksha, Parusha, Kalakarmuka, Meghamali, Mahamali, Sarpasya, Rudhirasanaall these twelve valiant army chiefs along with their forces rushed towards Rama, releasing the sharpest arrows at him.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Rakshasas (Rakṣāṃsi)

FAQs

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

The verse reinforces dharma as protective power: when wielded by the righteous, force becomes a purifying, threat-removing instrument rather than predation.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration describes the devastating effect of Rāma’s volleys upon the rākṣasa forces using vivid similes (fire and thunderbolt).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s formidable prowess under moral purpose—strength aligned with the task of restoring order.