Shloka 3.29.16

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

Devanagari script

प्राकृतान्राक्षसान्हत्वा युद्धे दशरथात्मज।आत्मना कथमात्मानमप्रशस्यं प्रशंससि।।।।

Transliteration

prākṛtān rākṣasān hatvā yuddhe daśarathātmaja | ātmanā katham ātmānam apraśasyaṃ praśaṃsasi ||

Translation

O son of Daśaratha, having slain only ordinary rākṣasas in battle, why do you praise yourself—one not worthy of praise?

Context

O son of Dasaratha, it is not praiseworthy to kill ordinary demons in war. Why do you praise yourself for it?

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Rama
• Daśaratha
• rākṣasa (demons)

FAQs

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

A social ethic of humility is invoked (even if hypocritically): true merit does not require self-praise.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara responds to Rama’s challenge by attempting to shame him for self-assertion before the duel continues.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility (amānitva) is named as a virtue—though spoken here by an antagonist as a taunt.