Shloka 3.27.4

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

Devanagari script

अहं वास्य रणे मृत्युरेष वा समरे मम। विनिवृत्य रणोत्साहान्मुहूर्तं प्राश्निको भव।।3.27.4।।

Transliteration

hataśeṣās tato bhagnā rākṣasāḥ kharasaṁśrayāḥ || 3.27.19 || dravanti sma na tiṣṭhanti vyāghratrastā mṛgā iva |

Translation

Then the surviving rākṣasas—though sheltered under Khara, their spirits shattered—fled without stopping, like deer terrified by a tiger.

Context

Restrain yourself for a moment from the enthusiasm to fight the war. Please act as an arbitrator and see who is killing whom.

Characters & Entities

• Rakshasas
• Khara
• Tiger (vyāghra)
• Deer (mṛga)

FAQs

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

When leadership is rooted in adharma, followers lose courage and cohesion. Dharma sustains inner strength; adharma collapses morale.

What is the narrative situation?

After their champion is killed, the remaining rākṣasas panic and flee from Rāma’s onslaught.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s awe-inspiring valor functions as protective power—his presence alone breaks the enemy’s will to fight.