Shloka 3.29.10

अरण्यकाण्डे एकोनत्रिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 29: Rama’s Admonition to Khara and the Shattering of the Mace)

Devanagari script

पापमाचरतां घोरं लोकस्याप्रियमिच्छताम्।अहमासादितो राजा प्राणान्हन्तुं निशाचर।।।।

Transliteration

adya hi tvāṃ mayā muktāḥ śarāḥ kāñcana-bhūṣaṇāḥ |

vidāryātipatiṣyanti valmīkam iva pannagāḥ ||

Translation

For today, the arrows I release—adorned with gold—will pierce through you and burst out, like serpents surging forth from an anthill.

Context

O night-ranger ! I have come with the orders of the king to put an end to the lives of the perpetrators of dreadful, sinful and offensive deeds in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Khara
• gold-adorned arrows
• anthill (valmīka)
• serpents (pannaga)

FAQs

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

Dharma sometimes requires decisive punishment of persistent aggressors; the verse presents the certainty of consequences for violent wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama declares to Khara the imminent, unavoidable outcome of the battle: his arrows will pierce and destroy Khara.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resolution and fearlessness in executing duty—Rama shows unwavering intent to end a threat to societal order.