Shloka 3.4.11

विराधवधः — The Slaying (Burial) of Viradha

Devanagari script

कुञ्जरस्येव रौद्रस्य राक्षसस्यास्य लक्ष्मण।वनेऽस्मिन् सुमहच्छ्वभ्रं खन्यतां रौद्रवर्चसः।।।।

Transliteration

kuñjarasyeva raudrasya rākṣasasyāsya lakṣmaṇa |

vanesmin sumahacchvabhraṃ khanyatāṃ raudravarcasaḥ ||

Translation

Lakṣmaṇa, dig in this forest a very deep pit for this rākṣasa—fierce like an elephant, blazing with a dreadful radiance.

Context

Dig a deep pit to bury this demon, dreadful like an elephant and emitting a fearful glow.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Virādha (implied rākṣasa)
• forest (Araṇya)

FAQs

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

Rāma directs a decisive, orderly response to a violent threat—upholding kṣatriya-dharma by neutralizing harm and ensuring the danger does not recur.

What is the narrative situation?

After subduing the rākṣasa Virādha, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa to dig a deep pit in the forest to dispose of him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s leadership and clarity in action—issuing practical instructions while maintaining the duty to protect.