Shloka 3.27.13

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

Devanagari script

ममापि प्रतिगृह्णीष्व शरांश्चापगुणाच्च्युतान्। एवमुक्त्वा तु संरब्धश्शरानाशीविषोपमान्।3.27.13।।त्रिशिरोवक्षसि क्रुद्धो निजघान चतुर्दश।

Transliteration

mamāpi pratigṛhṇīṣva śarāṃś cāpa-guṇāc cyutān | evam uktvā tu saṃrabdhaḥ śarān āśīviṣopamān | triśiro-vakṣasi kruddho nijaghāna caturdaśa ||

Translation

“You, too, receive the arrows released from the string of my bow.” Having spoken thus, Rāma—angered and fiercely roused—struck Triśiras on the chest with fourteen arrows, like venomous serpents.

Context

Receive the arrows released from my bow-string. Saying so, the angry and agitated Rama discharged fourteen arrows, venomous like a snake, on the chest of Trisira .

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Triśiras
• Bow (cāpa)
• Arrows (śara)

FAQs

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

Dharma as proportionate, duty-bound response: Rāma answers an attack with decisive counterforce aimed at ending the threat, not with deceit—his words and action align (satya in intent).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma verbally challenges Triśiras and immediately follows with a powerful volley of fourteen arrows to the chest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Determination and follow-through: Rāma’s speech is not empty bravado; it is matched by effective action.