Shloka 1.20.14

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

Devanagari script

सर्वं मे शंस भगवन्कथं तेषां मया रणे।।।।स्थातव्यं दुष्टभावानां वीर्योत्सिक्ता हि राक्षसा:।4तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा विश्वामित्रोऽभ्यभाषत।।।।

Transliteration

sarvaṃ me śaṃsa bhagavan kathaṃ teṣāṃ mayā raṇe |

sthātavyaṃ duṣṭa-bhāvānāṃ vīryotsiktā hi rākṣasāḥ |

tasya tad-vacanaṃ śrutvā viśvāmitro 'bhyabhāṣata ||1.20.14||

Translation

Tell me everything, O venerable one: how am I to stand against them in battle? For those rākṣasas are wicked by nature and arrogant in their prowess. Hearing these words, Viśvāmitra replied.

Context

O venerable one, how to fight those wicked-natured ones in the battle and stay aginst them? For rakshasas are proud of their prowess". Having heard the words of Dasaratha, Viswamitra said:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma includes seeking right counsel: Daśaratha turns to a venerable sage for truthful guidance on confronting evil, rather than relying only on pride or impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha asks Viśvāmitra for a complete assessment and strategy; the narration then pivots to Viśvāmitra’s response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Teachability and deference to spiritual authority—Daśaratha requests instruction from the sage.