Shloka 3.28.3

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

Devanagari script

स दृष्ट्वा राक्षसं सैन्यमविसह्यं महाबलः।हतमेकेन रामेण त्रिशिरोदूषणावपि।।3.28.2।।तद्बलं हतभूयिष्ठं विमनाः प्रेक्ष्य राक्षसः।आससाद खरो रामं नमुचिर्वासवं यथा।।3.28.3।।

Transliteration

prabhagna-dhanvā viratho hatāśvo hatasārathiḥ |

gadāpāṇir avaplutya tasthau bhūmau kharas tadā ||

Translation

Then Khara—his bow broken, his chariot lost, his horses slain, and his charioteer killed—leapt down and stood upon the ground, mace in hand.

Context

Khara, the mighty demon, saw his large, irrepressible army killed. He saw Trisira and Dusana slain singlehanded by Rama. Nervous, he advanced towards Rama wage war just as Namuchi approached Indra.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• mace (gadā)
• chariot
• horses
• charioteer

FAQs

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

The verse shows the inevitability of consequences in adharma-driven aggression: when wrongful violence collapses, the aggressor is reduced to desperate last measures.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rama destroys his battle equipment and support, Khara dismounts and prepares to fight on foot with a mace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tenacity (though misdirected): Khara continues to fight despite severe losses, highlighting endurance without righteousness.