Shloka 3.29.22
अरण्यकाण्डे एकोनत्रिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 29: Rama’s Admonition to Khara and the Shattering of the Mace)
पर्याप्तोऽहं गदापाणिर्हन्तुं प्राणान्रणे तव।त्रयाणामपि लोकानां पाशहस्त इवान्तकः।।।।
karma lokaviruddhaṃ tu kurvāṇaṃ kṣaṇadācara | tīkṣṇaṃ sarvajano hanti sarpaṃ duṣṭam ivāgatam ||
O night-roamer, one who commits deeds opposed to the world’s dharma is struck down by all, like a wicked venomous serpent that has come too near.
Just like lord Yama, holding a noose of death is alone enough to destroy the threeworlds, I am alone sufficient to take away your life in war, a mace in hand.
Actions that violate dharma and harm the community invite collective resistance and inevitable punishment.
In the lead-up to battle, Rāma rebukes Khara for adharma, comparing such danger to a deadly serpent near at hand.
Rāma’s protective kingship-ethic: he positions himself as upholding public safety and righteousness.