Shloka 3.29.19

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

Devanagari script

कुलं व्यपदिशन्वीरस्समरे कोऽभिधास्यति।मृत्युकाले हि सम्प्राप्ते स्वयमप्रस्तवे स्तवम्।।।।

Transliteration

kulaṃ vyapadiśan vīraḥ samare ko 'bhidhāsyati | mṛtyukāle hi samprāpte svayam aprastave stavam ||

Translation

When, in battle, death has truly drawn near, what hero will be naming his lineage and offering himself needless praise without occasion?

Context

When death comes in a battle no hero will name his race and boast of himself unnessarily.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Rama
• kula (lineage)
• mṛtyu (death)

FAQs

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

Facing mortality with seriousness: dharma in battle is action and steadiness, not vanity or self-celebration.

What is the narrative situation?

As the duel nears its decisive phase, Khara argues that boasting is absurd when death is imminent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gravitas and focus under threat—treating battle and death with disciplined attention.