Shloka 3.28.8

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

Devanagari script

तद्बभूव शितैर्बाणैः खररामविसर्जितैः।पर्याकाशमनाकाशं सर्वतश्शरसङ्कुलम्।।।।

Transliteration

śara-jālāvṛtaḥ sūryo na tadā sma prakāśate |

anyonya-vadha-saṃrambhād ubhayoḥ saṃprayudhyatoḥ ||

Translation

With the sun veiled by a net of arrows, it did not shine forth then—so fierce was the mutual death-intent of the two as they fought.

Context

The arrows released by Khara and Rama on one another filled the entire sky. Everywhere only arrows and no sky could be seen.

Characters & Entities

• Sun (Sūrya)
• Khara (context)
• Rama (context)
• arrows

FAQs

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

Unchecked hatred (death-intent) darkens judgment—symbolized by the sun’s obscuring; Dharma calls for action without being consumed by rage.

What is the narrative situation?

The arrow-exchange becomes so intense that the sun is visually hidden behind the ‘net’ of shafts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse cautions against fury; by implication, Rama’s ideal is to fight effectively yet remain governed by purpose rather than blind wrath.