Shloka 3.28.22

खररामयुद्धम् — The Battle of Khara and Rama (Aranya Kanda, Sarga 28)

Devanagari script

ततः कनकपुङ्खैस्तु शरैस्सन्नतपर्वभिः।बिभेद रामस्सङ्क्रुद्धः खरस्य समरे ध्वजम्।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kanaka-puṅkhais tu śarais sannata-parvabhiḥ |

bibheda rāmaḥ saṅkruddhaḥ kharasya samare dhvajam ||

Translation

Then Rama, inflamed with wrath, shattered Khara’s battle-standard in the fight with smooth, well-jointed arrows tipped with golden feathers.

Context

Rama took up in a rage the well-jointed, smooth darts with golden feathers and broke the flag post of the chariot of Khara to pieces.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Khara
• battle-standard/flag (dhvaja)
• gold-feathered arrows (kanaka-puṅkha śara)

FAQs

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

Dharma in warfare includes strategic restraint: striking the enemy’s standard weakens morale and capacity, aiming to end violence efficiently rather than prolong suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama counters Khara’s assault by targeting and destroying Khara’s chariot-flag/standard with expertly made arrows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tactical intelligence (nīti) joined to valor: Rama’s response is precise and outcome-oriented.