Shloka 1.1.42

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

अगस्त्यवचनाच्चैव जग्राहैन्द्रं शरासनम् ।।।।खड्गं च परमप्रीतस्तूणी चाक्षयसायकौ ।

Transliteration

vasatas tasya rāmasya vane vanacaraiḥ saha |

ṛṣayo ’bhyāgaman sarve vadhāyāsurarakṣasām ||

Translation

While Rāma was dwelling in the forest together with the forest-dwellers, all the sages approached him, seeking the destruction of the asuras and the rākṣasas.

Context

As directed by sage Agastya, Rama received with extreme delight a bow, a sword and quivers with inexhaustible arrows, given by Indra to Agastya (to be passed on toRama).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ṛṣis (sages)
• Asuras
• Rākṣasas
• Forest-dwellers (vanacara)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires protecting the vulnerable and preserving sacred practice: the sages seek Rāma’s intervention against violent disruption by asuras and rākṣasas.

What is the narrative situation?

During Rāma’s forest residence, ascetics collectively appeal to him to remove the demonic threat endangering their lives and rites.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s role as dharma-protector (rākṣasa-nigraha, ṛṣi-rakṣaṇa): strength placed in service of moral order.