Shloka 3.27.12

त्रिशिरोवधः (The Slaying of Triśiras) — Araṇyakāṇḍa, Sarga 27

Devanagari script

अहो विक्रमशूरस्य राक्षसस्येदृशं बलम्। पुष्पैरिव शरैर्यस्य ललाटेऽस्मिन्परिक्षतः।।3.27.12।।

Transliteration

aho vikramaśūrasya rākṣasasy edṛśaṃ balam | puṣpair iva śarair yasya lalāṭe 'smin parikṣataḥ ||

Translation

“Ah! Such is the strength of this rākṣasa, brave in prowess—his arrows, as though they were flowers, have only scratched this forehead of mine.”

Context

Oh! see the strength of this undaunted demon whose arrows fell like flowers on my forehead and only left a scratch.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Triśiras (implied as the rākṣasa opponent)

FAQs

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

Satya and inner steadiness: Rāma truthfully assesses the blow as minor, refusing to magnify injury—modeling calm speech that denies the enemy psychological victory.

What is the narrative situation?

After being struck, Rāma speaks, ironically downplaying the damage and appraising Triśiras’ strength.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure and courage (dhairya, śaurya): Rāma remains unshaken and verbally controlled in the midst of combat.