Shloka 3.29.17

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

Devanagari script

विक्रान्ता बलवन्तो वा ये भवन्ति नरर्षभाः।कथयन्ति न ते किञ्चित्तेजसा स्वेन गर्विताः।।।।

Transliteration

vikrāntā balavanto vā ye bhavanti nararṣabhāḥ | kathayanti na te kiñcit tejasā svena garvitāḥ ||

Translation

Those who are truly valiant and strong—the best among men—do not speak even a little for self-display, being quietly proud of their own prowess.

Context

The valiant, strong and the best of men do not at all speak proudly of themselves and their valour.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Rama
• nararṣabha (best of men)
• tejas (valor)

FAQs

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

Dharma values restraint in speech: genuine strength is shown through conduct, not self-advertisement.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara continues his verbal counterattack, claiming that real heroes do not boast.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Measured speech and modesty—presented as marks of true heroism.