Shloka 3.4.1

विराधवधः — The Slaying (Burial) of Viradha

Devanagari script

ह्रियमाणौ तु तौ दृष्ट्वा वैदेही रामलक्ष्मणौ।उच्चैस्स्वरेण चुक्रोश प्रगृह्य सुमहाजाभुजौ।।।।

Transliteration

tapasā puruṣavyāghra rākṣaso ’yaṃ na śakyate |

śastreṇa yudhi nirjetuṃ rākṣasaṃ nikhanāvahai ||

Translation

O tiger among men, this rākṣasa cannot be overcome in battle by weapons, for he is fortified by austerities; therefore let us bury this demon.

Context

Seeing those two mighty-armed Rama and Lakshmana being carried away by Viradha, Sita started crying loudly:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasa (Vīrādha, implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma in conflict includes discernment: when ordinary means fail, one may adopt an effective method to neutralize harm, prioritizing protection of the innocent over pride in conventional tactics.

What is the narrative situation?

Facing Vīrādha, who is not conquerable by weapons due to boons/austerity, Rāma proposes burying him as a practical way to end the threat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s strategic clarity and responsibility in crisis are emphasized—calmly choosing a workable solution to uphold protective duty.