Shloka 3.69.13

अयोमुखी-दर्शनम् तथा कबन्ध-प्रवेशः (Ayomukhi Encounter and the ظهور of Kabandha)

Devanagari script

भयदामल्पसत्त्वानां बीभत्सां रौद्रदर्शनाम्।लम्बोदरीं तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्रां करालीं परुषत्वचम्।।3.69.12।।भक्षयन्तीं मृगान्भीमान्विकटां मुक्तमूर्धजाम्।प्रैक्षेतां तौ ततस्तत्र भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।।3.69.13।।

Transliteration

bhayadām alpasattvānāṃ bībhatsāṃ raudradarśanām |

lambodarīṃ tīkṣṇadaṃṣṭrāṃ karālīṃ paruṣatvacam ||

bhakṣayantīṃ mṛgān bhīmān vikaṭāṃ muktamūrdhajām |

praikṣetāṃ tau tatas tatra bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau ||

Translation

Then the two brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, saw there a fearsome rākṣasī—terrifying to the faint-hearted, grotesque and dreadful to behold—big-bellied, rough-skinned, with sharp fangs, hair hanging loose, and devouring frightful wild beasts.

Context

Then the two brothers saw a fearful demoness who could strike terror in the mind of the timid, an uncouth figure with huge curved skins, with a big stomach, dishevelled hair, sharp and long teeth, devouring wild animals.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasī (demoness)

FAQs

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

Dharma is discernment: the text contrasts civilized restraint with predatory violence, marking the rākṣasī’s adharma (harm to beings) as a moral and narrative warning.

What is the narrative situation?

While moving through the forest, the brothers encounter a terrifying demoness who is actively preying on animals.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and composure in the face of भय (fear): the brothers observe and assess a threat rather than panic.