Shloka 3.6.17

षष्ठस्सर्गः — तपस्विरक्षणे राजधर्मोपदेशः (Sarga 6: The Sages’ Appeal and Instruction on Royal Duty)

Devanagari script

पम्पानदीनिवासानामनुमन्दाकिनीमपि।चित्रकूटालयानां च क्रियते कदनं महत्।।।।

Transliteration

pampānadīnivāsānām anumandākinīm api | citrakūṭālayānāṃ ca kriyate kadanaṃ mahat ||

Translation

A great slaughter is being wrought among those dwelling by the Pampā, those living along the Mandākinī, and those settled on Citrakūṭa.

Context

A great slaughter is taking place amongst those residing on the bank of the Pampa lake, near the river Mandakini, and on mount Chitrakuta.

Characters & Entities

• Pampā
• Mandākinī
• Citrakūṭa

FAQs

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

Dharma here highlights the moral urgency to stop adharma—unjust violence against peaceful forest-dwellers—and to restore safety for those living righteously.

What is the narrative situation?

Ascetics report widespread killings around key sacred/forest regions (Pampā, Mandākinī, Citrakūṭa) as part of their appeal for Rāma’s intervention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s expected virtue is protective kingship (rājadharma): the duty to shield non-combatants and uphold order even in the wilderness.