Shloka 3.4.23

विराधवधः — The Slaying (Burial) of Viradha

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा तु काकुत्थ्सं विराधश्शरपीडितः।बभूव स्वर्गसम्प्राप्तो न्यस्तदेहो महाबलः।।।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā tu kākutsthaṃ virādhaḥ śarapīḍitaḥ |

babhūva svargasamprāpto nyastadeho mahābalaḥ ||

Translation

Having spoken thus to the Kakutstha prince, the mighty Virādha—pierced by arrows—cast off his body and attained heaven.

Context

Having said so to Rama, the mighty Viradha, hit by the arrows left his body and attained heaven.

Characters & Entities

• Virādha
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• svarga

FAQs

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

The verse reflects the Ramayana theme that the righteous act (carried out within dharma) can become an instrument of release—transforming a cursed or fallen being’s destiny.

What is the narrative situation?

After instructing Rāma, Virādha relinquishes his body and is described as reaching svarga.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as a dharmic agent of restoration: even in slaying, his action is framed as aligning with cosmic order, enabling Virādha’s release.