Shloka 3.4.2

विराधवधः — The Slaying (Burial) of Viradha

Devanagari script

एष दाशरथी रामः सत्यवान् शीलवान् शुचिः।रक्षसा रौद्ररूपेण ह्रियते सहलक्ष्मणः।।3.4.2।।

Transliteration

eṣa dāśarathī rāmaḥ satyavān śīlavān śuciḥ |

rakṣasā raudrarūpeṇa hriyate sahalakṣmaṇaḥ ||

Translation

This is Rāma, Daśaratha’s son—truthful, well-conducted, and pure—being carried off by a rākṣasa of dreadful form, along with Lakṣmaṇa.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasa (Virādha implied)

FAQs

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

Rāma is defined by satya (truth) and śīla (good conduct): dharma is portrayed first as character, which remains intact even amid danger.

What is the narrative situation?

In the forest episode with Virādha, the narration states that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are being dragged away by a terrifying rākṣasa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya (truthfulness) and purity (śuci), establishing his moral identity before the conflict unfolds.