Shloka 3.38.19

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

Devanagari script

तेन मुक्तस्ततो बाणः शितश्शत्रुनिबर्हणः।तेनाहं त्वाहतः क्षिप्तस्समुद्रे शतयोजने।।3.38.19।।

Transliteration

kadācid apy ahaṃ vīryāt paryaṭan pṛthivīm imām | balaṃ nāgasahasrasya dhārayan parvatopamaḥ || 3.38.1 ||

Translation

Once, driven by sheer prowess, I roamed this earth, bearing the strength of a thousand elephants, towering like a mountain.

Context

Then Rama released a sharp arrow that could kill the enemy. It struck me and threw me at a distance of hundred yojanas into the sea.

Characters & Entities

• Kabandha
• Pṛthivī (earth)

FAQs

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

Raw power and self-glorification are shown as unstable foundations; Dharma later contrasts such pride with disciplined righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Kabandha begins recounting his former might while warning Rāvaṇa about Rāma’s superior power and restraint.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the coming verses highlight Rāma’s controlled strength—power guided by purpose rather than arrogance.