Shloka 3.27.9

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

Devanagari script

आगच्छन्तं त्रिशिरसं राक्षसं प्रेक्ष्य राघवः। धनुषा प्रतिजग्राह विधुन्वन्सायकान् शितान्।।3.27.9।।

Transliteration

āgacchantaṃ triśirasaṃ rākṣasaṃ prekṣya rāghavaḥ | dhanuṣā pratijagrāha vidhunvan sāyakān śitān ||3.27.9||

Translation

Seeing the rākṣasa Triśiras advancing, Rāghava seized his bow and shook forth keen arrows, ready to meet the onslaught.

Context

On seeing demon Trisira advancing towards him, Rama shook sharp arrows off his bow.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Triśiras
• Rākṣasa
• Bow
• Arrows

FAQs

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

Dharma here is protective readiness: Rāma responds to aggression with disciplined self-defense, not panic or cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

As Triśiras closes in, Rāma calmly arms himself and prepares a counterattack.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s composure and martial discipline—controlled readiness under threat.