Shloka 3.71.19

दनु-शापकथा तथा सीताहरण-प्रश्नः (Danu’s Curse Narrative and Rama’s Inquiry about Sita)

Devanagari script

अहं हि मतिसाचिव्यं करिष्यामि नरर्षभ।।3.71.19।।मित्रं चैवोपदेक्ष्यामि युवाभ्यां संस्कृतोऽग्निना।

Transliteration

so 'haṃ rūpam idaṃ kṛtvā lokavitrāsanaṃ mahat | ṛṣīn vanagatān rāma trāsayāmi tatas tataḥ ||

Translation

O Rāma, taking on this dreadful form that became a great terror to the world, I used to harass again and again the seers dwelling in the forest.

Context

O best among men! I will help you with my wisdom and give you friendly advice when I am purified by you both through cremation on the funeral pyre.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Rishis (forest sages)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights adharma: using power to terrorize the innocent—especially sages devoted to tapas—violates the duty to protect the righteous and uphold social and spiritual order.

What is the narrative situation?

Danu speaks to Rāma, describing how he previously assumed a fearsome form and repeatedly tormented forest-dwelling ṛṣis.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By implication, the virtue upheld is protection of the innocent and reverence toward ascetics; the speaker’s confession contrasts with the dharmic ideal.