Shloka 1.20.13

राज्ञः शङ्का–प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20

Devanagari script

कथं च प्रतिकर्तव्यं तेषां रामेण रक्षसाम्।।।।मामकैर्वा बलैर्ब्रह्मन्मया वा कूटयोधिनाम्।3

Transliteration

kathaṃ ca pratikartavyaṃ teṣāṃ rāmeṇa rakṣasām |

māmakair vā balair brahman mayā vā kūṭa-yodhinām ||1.20.13||

Translation

O Brahman, how is retaliation to be carried out against those rākṣasas—those deceitful fighters—whether by Rāma, by my forces, or by me myself?

Context

O brahman, how to rebuff those deceitful warriors either through Rama or through my army or through me?

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• rākṣasas
• Daśaratha’s army (balāni)

FAQs

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

Kṣātra-dharma must be exercised with discernment: Daśaratha asks what proportionate and proper response is justified against deceitful aggressors.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha seeks a practical plan—whether Rāma alone should act, or the king/army should intervene—to counter the rākṣasas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A ruler’s sense of accountability: Daśaratha includes himself and his army rather than shifting all burden onto Rāma.