Shloka 3.9.27

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

Devanagari script

क्षत्रियाणां तु वीराणां वनेषु निरतात्मनाम्।।3.9.27।।धनुषा कार्यमेतावदार्तानां त्वभिरक्षणम्।

Transliteration

kṣatriyāṇāṃ tu vīrāṇāṃ vaneṣu niratātmanām। dhanuṣā kāryametāvadārtānāṃ tvabhirakṣaṇam॥

Translation

For heroic kṣatriyas living in the forest with self-restraint, the bow is to be used for this purpose alone: the protection of the distressed.

Context

It is the duty of a kshatriya, a warrior to protect with his bow those who practise self-control (penance) in the forest in a state of panic.

Characters & Entities

• Kshatriyas
• Forest

FAQs

What is the primary duty of a Kshatriya according to this verse?

According to this verse, the primary duty of a Kshatriya, even when living in the forest, is using their weapon solely for the protection of those who are suffering or distressed (artanam abhirakshanam).

Why does Sita mention 'niratātmanām' (self-controlled minds) in this context?

Sita uses 'niratātmanām' to describe Rama and Lakshmana, emphasizing that as they are living the life of ascetics in the forest, their conduct should be restrained, and violence should only be a last resort for protection, not an act of aggression.