Shloka 3.6.23

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

Devanagari script

विप्रकारमपाक्रष्टुं राक्षसैर्भवतामिमम्।पितुस्तु निर्देशकरः प्रविष्टोऽहमिदं वनम्।।।।

Transliteration

viprakāram apākraṣṭuṃ rākṣasair bhavatām imam | pituḥ tu nirdeśakaraḥ praviṣṭo'ham idaṃ vanam ||

Translation

To drive away this outrage done to you by the rākṣasas—and in obedience to my father’s command—I have entered this forest.

Context

I came into this forest in obedience to my father's orders to repel the aggression of demons against you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Rākṣasas
• Rāma’s father (Daśaratha, implied)
• Forest (Araṇya)

FAQs

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

Dharma is twofold: filial obedience (carrying out the father’s command) and public duty (removing violence against the righteous).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains that his presence in the forest includes a duty to repel rākṣasa attacks on ascetics.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Duty-bound integrity: Rāma presents himself as ‘nirdeśakara’—one who faithfully executes rightful instruction.