Shloka 1.19.3
विश्वामित्रस्य यज्ञरक्षा-याचना (Visvamitra Requests Rama for Yajna-Protection)
यत्तु मे हृद्गतं वाक्यं तस्य कार्यस्य निश्चयम्।कुरूष्व राजशार्दूल भव सत्यप्रतिश्रव:।।।।
vrate me bahuśaś cīrṇe samāptyāṃ rākṣasāv imau | mārīcaś ca subāhuś ca vīryavantau suśikṣitau || samāṃsa-rudhiraughena vediṃ tām abhyavarṣatām |
When my observance, repeatedly performed, was nearing completion, those two rākṣasas—Mārīca and Subāhu, powerful and well-trained—showered that altar with torrents of blood mixed with flesh.
O Tiger among kings! I shall unfold the purpose conceived in my mind. Take a decision and be truthful to your promise.
The verse contrasts dharmic ritual order with adharma that pollutes and obstructs sacred action; protecting ritual purity is presented as a righteous necessity.
Viśvāmitra describes the specific act of desecration: Mārīca and Subāhu defile the sacrifice by raining blood and flesh upon the altar near the rite’s completion.
The virtue implied is steadfastness in dharmic practice—continuing vows despite repeated disruptions—and the need for courageous protection against desecration.