Shloka 3.6.25

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

Devanagari script

तपस्विनां रणे शत्रून्हन्तुमिच्छामि राक्षसान्।पश्यन्तु वीर्यमृषयस्सभ्रातुर्मे तपोधनाः।।।।

Transliteration

tapasvināṃ raṇe śatrūn hantum icchāmi rākṣasān | paśyantu vīryam ṛṣayaḥ sabhrātur me tapodhanāḥ ||

Translation

I wish to slay in battle the rākṣasas, enemies of the ascetics. Let the ṛṣis, rich in tapas, witness my valor together with my brother.

Context

I wish to kill in the fight the demons who are your enemies. O great ascetics, you may witness my prowess supported by my brother.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Rāma’s brother (Lakṣmaṇa, implied)
• Ṛṣis/tapasvins
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Justified force in service of dharma: violence is framed not as personal hatred but as protection of the innocent and removal of aggressors.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma commits to active battle against the rākṣasas and invites the ascetics to witness his and his brother’s protective action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (valor) disciplined by dharma—courage expressed as guardianship rather than conquest.