Shloka 3.9.26

सीताया धर्मोपदेशः—शस्त्रसंयोगदोषकथा (Sita’s Counsel on Dharma and the Peril of Weapon-Association)

Devanagari script

न कथञ्चन सा कार्या गृहीतधनुषा त्वया।बुद्धिर्वैरं विना हन्तुं राक्षसान्दण्डकाश्रितान्।।3.9.26।।अपराधं विना हन्तुं लोकान्वीर न कामये।

Transliteration

kṣatriyāṇāṃ tu vīrāṇāṃ vaneṣu niratātmanām | dhanuṣā kāryam etāvad ārtānāṃ tv abhirakṣaṇam ||

Translation

For valiant kṣatriyas dwelling in the forests with self-restraint, the bow has but this rightful task: to protect those in distress.

Context

While holding a bow, you should not have the intention to kill demons residing in Dandaka with no animosity against you. O valiant one ! I do not desire that any one should be killed without incurring any offence.

Characters & Entities

• kṣatriya
• dhanuṣ (bow)
• vana (forest)
• ārtāḥ (distressed persons)
• self-restraint (niratātman)

FAQs

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

The legitimate use of force is protective, not aggressive: the warrior’s dharma in the forest is to safeguard those in fear and distress.

What is the narrative situation?

After warning against unprovoked killing, the speaker defines the positive scope of Rama’s weapon-bearing: defense of vulnerable ascetics and the afflicted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate guardianship—strength exercised as protection aligned with maryādā (righteous limits).