Shloka 3.38.13

अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — मारीचोपदेशः (Maricha’s Warning and the Memory of Rama’s Power)

Devanagari script

तं तदा दण्डकारण्ये यज्ञमुद्दिश्य दीक्षितम्।बभूवोपस्थितो रामश्चित्रं विष्फारयन्धनुः।।3.38.13।।

Transliteration

taṁ tadā daṇḍakāraṇye yajñam uddiśya dīkṣitam |

babhūv upasthito rāmaś citraṁ viṣphārayan dhanuḥ || 3.38.13 ||

Translation

Then, in the Daṇḍaka forest, with the sacrifice in view and the rite undertaken, Rāma stood ready on guard, drawing back his wondrous bow.

Context

Then Rama was initiated for the protection of sacrifices and stood on guard, stretching his wonderful bow.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daṇḍakāraṇya
• yajña (sacrifice)
• dhanuḥ (bow)

FAQs

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

Protection of sacred rites is dharma: force is sanctified when used to defend yajña and those who uphold truth and discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is positioned as the protector during the sacrificial observance in the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vigilance and disciplined readiness—heroism expressed as guardianship rather than conquest.