Shloka 2.9.14

मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)

Devanagari script

तस्मिन्महति सङ्ग्रामे पुरुषान्क्षतविक्षतान्।रात्रौ प्रसुप्तान्घ्नन्ति स्म तरसाऽऽसाद्य राक्षसाः।।।।

Transliteration

tatrākaron mahad yuddhaṃ rājā daśarathas tadā | asuraiś ca mahābāhuḥ śastraiś ca śakalīkṛtaḥ ||

Translation

There, King Daśaratha fought a mighty battle; yet the mighty-armed king was cut down and shattered by the weapons of the asuras.

Context

In that great battle, the rakshasas used to kill by force the warriors wounded by the weapons and those fast asleep during the night.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• asura (asuras)

FAQs

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

It reflects kṣatriya-dharma: the king accepts peril in defense of order and alliance, even at great personal cost.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā recounts Daśaratha’s severe wounding during the divine-asura conflict.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Valor and endurance—standing in battle despite overwhelming harm.