Shloka 3.38.20

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

Devanagari script

नेच्छता तात मां हन्तुं तदा वीरेण रक्षितः।रामस्य शरवेगेन निरस्तोऽहमचेतनः।।3.38.20।।

Transliteration

tena muktas tato bāṇaḥ śitaḥ śatrunibarhaṇaḥ | tenāhaṃ tv āhataḥ kṣiptaḥ samudre śatayojane || 3.38.19 ||

Translation

Then he loosed a sharp arrow, a crusher of enemies; struck by it, I was hurled a hundred yojanas away into the sea.

Context

O dear! being thrown away by the speed of his dart I lost my consciousness. I was protected by Rama who did not want to kill me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kabandha
• Samudra (sea)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes just force used to restrain violent wrongdoing; righteous power acts decisively to stop harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Kabandha recounts how Rāma’s arrow struck him and flung him far into the ocean.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s martial excellence joined to moral purpose—swift, effective action against a threat.