Shloka 2.23.36

लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः (Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort)

Devanagari script

बहुभिश्चैकमत्यस्यन्नेकेन च बहून्जनान्।विनियोक्ष्याम्यहं बाणान्नृवाजिगजमर्मसु।।।।

Transliteration

bahubhiś caikam atyasyan ekena ca bahūn janān | viniyokṣyāmy ahaṃ bāṇān nṛvājigajamarmasu || 2.23.36 ||

Translation

Hurling many arrows at one, and with a single arrow striking many, I will direct my shafts to the vital points of men, horses, and elephants.

Context

Striking each of my foes with many arrows and many with one arrow, I shall aim them at the vitals of men, horses and elephants.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• bāṇa (arrows)
• marman (vital points)
• nṛ (men)
• vāji (horses)
• gaja (elephants)

FAQs

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

Skill is presented as a dharmic instrument: mastery in warfare is meant to neutralize threats efficiently, minimizing prolonged chaos and safeguarding rightful order.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa asserts tactical superiority, describing how he can concentrate or distribute arrow-fire to defeat opposing forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competent courage—valor joined with technical mastery (archery) in the service of duty.